The recent debate over banning the use and sale of vapes in Malaysia touches on several critical issues, particularly the potential consequences of such a ban and the broader implications for public health, the economy, and law enforcement.
The specific concern about whether a prohibition will create a new market for the criminal world, similar to the black market for illegal cigarettes, warrants careful consideration.
Proponents of a ban argue that the health risks associated with vaping are still under study, but existing evidence suggests that vaping can have serious health consequences, particularly among young people. The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is the latest to urge the government to act on the suggestion by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, for a total ban on e-cigarettes, including vape products, in the country.
The long-term effects of inhaling chemicals from e-cigarettes are not fully understood, and there are growing concerns about the harmful substances found in certain vape juices, including those laced with illicit compounds. Banning vaping, particularly in light of reports about adulterated or contaminated vape refills, could be seen as a necessary step to protect public health, especially minors.
However, banning vapes outright might create unintended consequences, such as driving individuals to seek alternative, unregulated sources, potentially exposing them to even greater risks.
The growing trend of vaping among minors is also a critical issue, and some vape shops in Malaysia have been criticised for selling products to underage customers. Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but its appeal to youth and its potential to act as a gateway to nicotine addiction are significant concerns. A ban could address this issue by eliminating a key source of access to these products for minors, especially when vape shops operate too close to schools.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of such a ban in curbing youth access depends on enforcement. If the demand for vapes remains high, minors may still find ways to obtain them through underground markets or online.
A central concern about the ban is whether it would create a new black market for vapes and vape-related products. As history has shown with illegal cigarettes, prohibition often leads to the emergence of underground markets. If vapes are banned, there is a strong likelihood that criminal networks will begin producing and selling illegal or unregulated vapes, similar to the illicit cigarette trade.
This black market could worsen health and safety risks, as these products would likely be even less regulated and could contain harmful substances. Moreover, criminalising the sale and possession of vapes could strain law enforcement resources and divert attention from more pressing issues.
Also, the vape industry in Malaysia, as in many other countries, has become a significant economic sector, with numerous vape shops, distributors, and manufacturers contributing to employment and economic activity. A sudden ban would have economic consequences, particularly for businesses involved in the legal sale of vaping products. These businesses could be forced to shut down, leading to job losses and disruptions in local economies.
Moreover, consumers who have switched from traditional tobacco to vaping might be left without a safer alternative, potentially pushing them back to conventional cigarettes, which would undermine the public health benefits of vaping as a harm reduction strategy.
Instead of an outright ban, some suggest a regulatory approach to manage the use and sale of vapes. This could include stricter age verification protocols, better quality control of vape products, and regulations governing where vape shops can operate (e.g., not near schools). Additionally, the government could consider taxing vapes and imposing health warnings, similar to the regulations for tobacco products.
This regulatory approach could reduce the risks associated with vaping while preventing the creation of an illegal market. It could also provide a more controlled way to monitor and manage the potential public health impact.
Another aspect that could play a role in addressing vaping concerns is increased public education about the risks associated with vaping. Public health campaigns could be an important tool in reducing demand for vapes, particularly among young people. However, these efforts would need to be balanced with the reality that banning products often leads to increased curiosity and underground interest.
The question of whether banning vaping in Malaysia will create a new black market, similar to the illegal cigarette trade, is a valid concern. While a ban might reduce the visibility and accessibility of vapes, it is unlikely to eliminate the demand entirely.
In fact, it could fuel illicit trade and exacerbate the very problems it seeks to address, including the sale of unregulated products and the potential for harm. A more nuanced approach, involving regulation and strict enforcement against illegal sales, may offer a more balanced solution to the problem.
Ensuring that young people are protected from the dangers of vaping while allowing adults to access safer alternatives could be key to achieving both public health and economic goals.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer’s and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13
