Experts in Malaysia believe that banning vaping and vape products outright is not currently feasible due to the widespread use and lack of enforcement mechanisms. They advocate for a regulatory approach instead, with stricter controls on sales and marketing, while acknowledging the need to address potential harm from unregulated vape products.
Vaping and vape products in Malaysia cannot be banned outright for now, according to experts. Dr. M Murallitharan, president of the Malaysia Council for Tobacco Control, stated that any proposed ban is unrealistic given the widespread availability of vape products, even in rural areas. He emphasized that enforcing a ban would be extremely difficult due to a lack of mechanisms and capacity.
Murallitharan pointed out that while advocates have been pushing for a ban since 2024, the recent passage of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) has established frameworks for regulating vaping. These frameworks include laboratories for testing vape liquids, regulations on device types, and a ban on online vape sales. Murallitharan believes that these regulatory measures make it more feasible to implement further restrictions and even a complete ban in the future.Samsul Kamal Ariffin, president of the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities, agreed that a ban is not the solution as it would drive the vape market underground. He warned that this would result in a worse scenario where unregulated vape products with unknown quality and nicotine content become more prevalent. Ariffin suggested that while regulation is crucial, the sale of vape products should also be stringently controlled, including measures to prevent underage access, such as clear signage barring entry for those under 18 and prohibiting school children from entering vape shops.Datuk Adzwan Manas, president of the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association, echoed the sentiment that regulation is a more effective approach than a ban. He emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws more effectively and swiftly to ensure the smooth regulation of vape products. Meanwhile, Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, co-ordinator of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations’ Tobacco Control/SmokeFreeMY Initiative, criticized the government for delaying action on vaping and for giving excuses about its prevalence. He urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to curb vaping, stating that the prolonged inaction has allowed vaping to become increasingly widespread
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