PETALING JAYA: Stakeholders in the vaping industry are urging state governments to rethink the ban on vape products.
They warn that such a decision could lead to a thriving black market for vape products.
Malaysia E-Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association president Mohamad Neezam Talib said vape products were classified as a smoking device under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
“We have advised our members to comply with the law, and they will do so. However, we hope all states in Malaysia understand Act 852. If a ban is imposed on vape products, we want to ensure cigarettes are banned as well.
“We want the Health Ministry to be transparent in carrying out enforcement, consistent with the spirit of Act 852,” he said.
Noting the ministry’s inconsistent product classifications, Mohamad Neezam called for clear, uniform guidelines to prevent losses for importers, retailers and manufacturers.
Malaysian Organization of Vape Entity president Samsul Kamal Arrifin said there were greater advantages to regulating vape products rather than imposing a ban on them.
He said vape products, as a nicotine delivery device, were more effective in helping smokers quit cigarettes compared to other products such as nicotine patches.
“Banning will not eradicate vaping, but it will just shift it to the black market on a greater scale and may cause sales to go out of control. This will also deny the government revenue from taxes.
“Research shows that vaping is much safer than smoking, and this can also help lower public healthcare costs,” he said.
“Vape liquid is made up of ingredients we use in cake and ice cream, but there have been unscrupulous sellers adding dangerous substances. This may become worse when the black market mushrooms, and there is no control over the industry.”
