Malaysia grapples with rising cases of student vaping, prompting calls for stricter regulation of the industry. Experts emphasize the need for government oversight, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to address this growing concern.
Regulating the vape industry is crucial to curb vaping among schoolchildren, according to Malaysia n Organisation of Vape Entities president Samsul Kamal Ariffin. He stated that since the exemption of nicotine as a controlled substance under the Poisons Act in March 2023, the content of related products has become unregulated. Ariffin emphasized the need for self-regulation within the industry, as businesses are inherently motivated to sustain themselves.
However, he stressed the importance of regulation by the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, which already possess existing enforcement units. He concluded that regardless of the presence of laws, regulations, and guidelines, effective enforcement is paramount. His remarks came in response to a report revealing that close to 20,000 students were vaping in schools last year. Citing figures from the Students Discipline System, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh reported 19,450 cases. Wong also advocated for clear guidelines and warnings on vape product labels. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations’ Tobacco Control/SmokeFreeMY Initiative co-ordinator Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah echoed the call for the MOH to expedite its review and strengthen regulations on the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly those with appealing packaging and flavors targeting youth. He proposed implementing licensing mechanisms through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to prohibit online sales. Abdullah emphasized the importance of positive role modeling by adults, including refraining from smoking in public spaces, especially around children. He expressed serious concern about the surge in student vaping cases within schools. While acknowledging the Education Ministry's efforts in implementing disciplinary actions and awareness campaigns, Abdullah stressed that the current situation necessitates enhanced preventive strategies involving all relevant stakeholders, such as parents, educators, local authorities, and health regulators. Malaysian Medical Association’s Action on Smoking and Health committee adviser Prof Datuk Dr Lekhraj Rampal called for the government to reconsider a total ban on vaping. Dr Rampal argued that given the existing challenges with smoking, vaping should have been banned from the outset. He pointed out that tobacco use contributes to 20,000 deaths in Malaysia annually, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. To mitigate non-communicable diseases, Dr Rampal emphasized the need to reduce tobacco use rather than exacerbating the problem with the introduction of vaping. Meanwhile, Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Manas stated that the industry believes vape products should be strictly used by individuals 18 years or older. He explained that vape products should primarily serve as an alternative for adult smokers seeking to quit traditional cigarettes. Manas cited evidence from numerous countries demonstrating that vape products are less harmful than cigarettes and effective aids in smoking cessation
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