PETALING JAYA: There must be a proper regulatory framework on vape products to prevent illicit selling of the electronic device and to curb the problem of underage vaping, says Vape Consumer Association of Malaysia (VCAM) president Tengku Aslahuddin Ja’afar.
He said the lack of regulation on vaping products needs to be addressed urgently.
“Having proper laws will ensure that these products are not marketed or sold to underage Malaysians,” he said when contacted.
The Health Ministry published a gazette on April 1, exempting nicotine from the list of controlled substances under the Poisons Act to allow for the implementation of the excise tax.
However, critics were of the view that this led to a loophole with authorities having no control over the sale of vaping products that often use liquids and gels.
Tengku Aslahuddin said that having legislation over vaping products would introduce new standards which would make it harder for black market vaping products to be imported and sold in the country.
“When we have legislation over vaping devices, there will be standards and guidelines to be followed. This will eliminate any black market products.”
Tengku Aslahuddin said the VCAM was firmly against underage vaping.
“One of the reasons we advocate for regulations is to prevent youths from accessing it.”
He called for collaborative efforts between the vape industry and the government.
“This is essential to ensure vapes do not end up in the hands of children,” he said.
To prevent young people from vaping, Tengku Aslahuddin said that vape manufacturers and traders had a role to play as well.
“Both traders and manufacturers must implement strict measures to keep their products away from the youth.”
He said that families play an important role in keeping an eye on underage children to prevent them from picking up the habit.
He also said the government should hold talks with vape industry players on matters related to regulations and taxation of the products.
