Vape industry players call for 'guidance' from authorities

PETALING JAYA: Still reeling from a nationwide raid on vape outlets on Thursday, industry players have called for "guidance" from the authorities on how to conduct their business properly. 

Least of all, they don't want to see a clampdown in the increasingly popular business that is said to have a billion ringgit potential. 

With limited knowledge on how to operate the business, the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce said they were all for the government giving them some help on the legal procedures. 

Its secretary-general Ridhuan Rosli said the industry players were willing to cooperate if there were guidelines from the Government. 

On Thursday, the Health Ministry shocked hundreds of vape shop owners with its first raids in search of illegal vape liquid and unlicensed businesses. In Selangor alone, over 50 vape stores were raided with owners incurring millions in losses. 

The ministry said there was no need to warn the shops as the Poisons Act was clear on nicotine rules. Shops selling nicotine-based vape have to get a permit from the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau. 

Describing the raid as drastic, Ridhuan said most of its members have limited knowledge on the sale of nicotine-based vapes. 

"At least, give us a timeframe to improve. If there are still among us who do not comply with the regulations, then take action. 

"While we agree that what they did was according to the law, they should have helped and guided us on how to obtain the permit or licence to sell vapes," said Ridhuan. 

On the supply chain of vape liquids, Ridhuan said the shop owners shouldn't be entirely blamed as they were merely "at the end of the supply chain." 

"If they really want to clamp down on vape, go after the manufacturers of the liquid," he said. 

Sharing the same sentiment, Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entity (MOVE) chided the ministry for conducting the raid since there was no ban on vaping. 

"What they should've done was to propose regulations and guidelines for the manufacturing of the products. 

"If it is about nicotine, they should come up with regulations and share with us. Once the regulation is out, we want to adhere and follow," its president Samsul Kamal Ariffin said. 

Malaysia E-liquid Brewers Association also asked for some flexibility in the licence to sell nicotine-based liquids. 

"We are ready to work with the ministry to assist the producers and traders so they can comply with the standards specified by the ministry," said its president Muhammad Furqan Hakimi. 

On the introduction of duty on vapes and e-cigarettes to reduce the number of smokers in the country, Samsul said it would object to vaping "being taxed like a tobacco product." 

"Because then it just beats the purpose of us wanting to quit smoking and pick up something which is healthier. Therefore, we want it to be taxed in a way that is not burdening the consumers," he said. 

Following Thursday's raid, it is understood that the Health Ministry, under the pharmaceutical control bureau would conduct another round of raids.