Parents fume over kids’ easy access to vapes, ecigarettes

JOHOR BARU: Parents of primary school kids are worried about the rampant use of vapes and ecigarettes among youngsters, especially with the products still widely sold in the state.

A parent, who only wanted to be known as Liza, was disappointed that vape products were still available despite a statewide ban imposed by the state government in 2016.

The mother of three said she was curious how such shops, some of which are located in Bandar Baru Uda, could be issued business licences when the ban prohibits the sale of vapes.

“My youngest son is in Year Six and will be entering Form One next year, so naturally, I am worried about the peer pressure and bad habits that he might be exposed to.

“I hope that stronger enforcement will be carried out against those who sell vape or ecigarette products in shops before tackling the online sellers,” the mother said.

The 46-year-old added there should be no more delay in the tabling of the Generational End Game (GEG) Bill to handle the issue as soon as possible.

On Jan 1, 2016, Johor became the first state in the country to ban vaping, with enforcement against users as well as traders.

The decision followed a decree by Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who had ordered a ban on vaping in the state.

SJK(T) Ladang Mount Austin school board member James Selvanathan said although vaping among pupils was still uncommon, there is a risk they may do so after graduating to secondary school.

“This is why our school holds annual programmes to bring in policemen and doctors to educate them about the dangers of substance abuse, such as drugs and nicotine use.

“As parents, we are worried about how easily vape and ecigarette products are available in the market and online.

“At least for the sale of cigarettes, there are stickers that prohibit the sale of the items to those under 18 years old

“But there is no regulation for vapes and ecigarettes,” the school board member said.

James, who is also the former school Parent-Teacher Association chairman, suggested a smoke-free radius be set up around the school to prohibit smoking or vaping.

“That way, not only is the school a smoke-free zone, those who wait outside to pick up the students are also not allowed to smoke, to minimise the students’ exposure to such bad habits,” he said.