The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) is urging state governments in Malaysia to accelerate efforts to protect Malaysians, especially children and youth, from the dangers of nicotine addiction and synthetic drug abuse via vape devices.
The association, in a statement today, pointed out that Malaysia, as a party to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) since 2005, has pledged to protect public health by reducing the use of smoking products, including vape, towards achieving the Tobacco Endgame by 2040.
“The Tobacco Endgame policy, agreed upon by 181 countries, envisions a future where there is no place for the smoking industry or its substitute products in the global public health landscape. The move by states such as Terengganu, Selangor, Penang, Perlis and Kedah to ban vape sales is a progressive step towards fulfilling this responsibility,” the statement read.
“Although recent concerns from vape dealers over potential economic losses have been voiced, the nation’s priority must remain on protecting public health and safeguarding the wellbeing of the younger generation. It would be irresponsible to prioritise the interests of a ‘sin industry’ over global health commitments.”
Fomca added that in 2016, the country’s Health Ministry had recommended to the Cabinet that the use and sale of vape products be completely banned.
“Unfortunately, this recommendation was opposed by a Cabinet member whose family had business interests in the vape industry, resulting in a decision not to impose a ban. Instead, the Cabinet decided to regulate vape sales through the formulation of standards for battery-operated vape devices, and the formulation of standards to control the substances used in vape liquids.”
“Regrettably, even with the enactment of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, questions remain about the effectiveness of these standards in ensuring user safety, particularly concerning risks of battery explosions and the presence of harmful chemicals in vape liquids.”
Fomca said global experience showed that partial regulation of smoking products is insufficient to achieve significant reductions in the burden of smoking-related diseases.
“Therefore, the ban on vape sales must continue, supported by firm and consistent enforcement actions,” it added.
On Jan 1, 2016, Johor enforced a ban on vape and electronic cigarettes. Last week, Terengganu state executive councillor Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said a state government ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes would start on Aug 1. The move has riled up vape traders in the east coast state, with the Terengganu branch of the Malay Vape Traders Association claiming the ban could cause losses of RM5 million a month for the association’s 169 members.
Other states are set to follow suit. The Kedah government will discuss banning vape sales in the northern state in its executive council meeting next week. Selangor too will see a joint meeting involving its Public Health and Environment Committee, the Menteri Besar’s office and the State Health Department held soon to review the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in the state.
