PETALING JAYA: With the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) now in force, vapers in Malaysia are reassessing their habits due to stricter regulations and increased costs.
The Act covers regulations on the registration, sale, packaging, labelling and prohibition of smoking in public places, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
Cella, a 29-year-old customer experience agent, described the current situation as a pivotal moment for vapers like herself.
“I don’t see myself continuing with vaping,” she said following the enforcement of the legislation beginning yesterday.
“As a woman, I’m concerned about the potential health effects on any future children if I start a family.”
Under the Act, tobacco and vape displays at retailers have been banned as part of the government’s effort to protect young people’s health.
“For me, vaping is no different from smoking cigarettes; both are harmful,” Cella noted.
However, she expressed concern that contraband sales may persist despite the ban, making these initiatives less effective in reducing the number of vapers.
Ammar Marzuki, 31, who works in data collection and analytics, is also contemplating quitting.
“If the government imposes taxes on vape products, I might switch to healthier alternatives like nicotine gum or patches.
“I won’t return to cigarettes, and maybe these new policies are a sign to quit smoking substances entirely,” he said.
While Ammar supported the initiative to deter young people from vaping, he highlighted the issue of easy online availability and the dangers posed by the sale of vape flavours mixed with harmful substances.
“The bigger problem lies in the potential for abuse,” he said.
Cost is also a significant concern, as the Act limits vape devices to 3,000 puffs.
According to business executive Mohd Razif: “Previously, a device with 18,000 puffs cost about RM40, but now a 3,000-puff device costs the same.
“This could push my monthly vaping expenses to nearly RM150, and I don’t think it would be worth it for me to continue.”
Marketing manager S. Kumar, 38, is considering returning to cigarettes due to rising vaping costs.
“I switched to vaping because it was cheaper. Now, the costs are on par with or exceed those of cigarettes based on my usage,” he said, though he remains committed to quitting altogether.
