JOHOR BARU: Malaysia’s lax regulations on the sale of vape products and e-cigarettes are the main reason why the items are accessible to minors, say youth groups.
Young Malaysians Movement organising secretary Brevia Pan Woon Shien said that despite laws prohibiting sales to those under 18, underage vaping remains widespread.
“A significant number of students use vape products because they are easily accessible or available from friends.
“However, many young users are unaware of the highly addictive nature of nicotine and the presence of harmful chemicals in these products,” she said.
While Pan supports a complete ban on vaping due to health risks, she acknowledges the challenges of immediate prohibition.
“Without stricter enforcement, a black market would thrive, making regulation even harder and increasing the risks associated with counterfeit and substandard products,” she added.
Additionally, she called for stricter regulation of online sales to ensure that only verified buyers can make purchases, preventing access to the underaged.
She also recommended that Malaysia follow Thailand and Singapore which have already implemented a full ban on vape products.
Pan reaffirmed her support for the Generational End Game (GEG) policy, aimed at phasing out smoking and vaping.
“If stricter regulations are gradually implemented now, a vape-free Malaysia remains within reach.
“The government must revisit discussions on the GEG provision, considering the long-term benefits for public health,” she said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Indian Youth Council president Dhanesh Basil said that vaping has become a cultural trend among youth who associate it with being “cool”.
“Vape is portrayed as a medium for youth to look cool. If you vape, you are seen as an easy-going to hang out with,” he said.
He added the variety of shapes, sizes, and colours of vape products make them even more appealing, emphasising the need to curb and discourage this trend.
He said that the government should also take action against parties which promote vape products as a “safer” alternative, despite overwhelming evidence of their harmful effects.
“This idea has been cultivated for so long. If you buy a pack of cigarettes today, there are pictures showing the consequences of smoking, from mouth cancer to lung disease.
“However, the same warnings are not present on vape packaging, promoting the false belief that vaping is safer,” he said.
