PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – Regulating the vape industry is essential to addressing the rise of vaping among schoolchildren, says Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities president, Samsul Kamal Ariffin.
He noted that since nicotine was exempted as a controlled substance under the Poisons Act in March 2023, vape product content has become unregulated.
“Nicotine use has now become a social issue rather than a legal one. While the industry is willing to self-regulate to sustain its businesses, proper regulation must come from the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, which already have enforcement units in place,” he said.
Samsul Kamal stressed that enforcement is crucial. “Regardless of laws, regulations, or guidelines, without proper enforcement, these measures will be ineffective.”
His remarks follow a report revealing that nearly 20,000 students were caught vaping in schools last year. Citing figures from the Students Discipline System, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh stated that 19,450 cases were recorded in 2023.
To curb student vaping, Samsul Kamal suggested banning vape shops near schools and implementing clear guidelines, including warning labels on vape products.
Call for stricter regulations
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations’ Tobacco Control/SmokeFreeMY Initiative coordinator, Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, urged MOH to strengthen regulations on the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes, particularly those with appealing packaging and flavors targeting youth.
He also called for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to introduce licensing mechanisms to prohibit online vape sales.
“Adults must set a good example by demonstrating positive values, including refraining from smoking in public, especially around children,” he said, expressing serious concern over the increasing cases of student vaping.
While acknowledging the Education Ministry’s efforts in implementing disciplinary actions and awareness campaigns, Muhammad Sha’ani emphasized the need for enhanced preventive strategies involving parents, educators, local authorities, and health regulators.
Calls for vape ban
Malaysian Medical Association’s Action on Smoking and Health committee adviser, Prof Datuk Dr Lekhraj Rampal, urged the government to reconsider banning vape products altogether.
He recalled that more than a decade ago, there was a recommendation to MOH to ban vaping.
“At that time, we were still struggling with tobacco-related issues. Vaping should have been banned from the outset,” he said, adding that a technical committee was formed to assess the issue.
“I was an adviser and recommended a ban, but the Cabinet decided to regulate instead. I warned that vaping would lead to bigger problems, including potential drug use.”
Dr Rampal pointed out that tobacco use contributes to 20,000 deaths annually in Malaysia due to cardiovascular disease and cancer. To combat non-communicable diseases, he said, efforts should focus on reducing tobacco use rather than introducing additional risks through vaping.
Industry’s stance
Meanwhile, Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president, Datuk Adzwan Manas, stated that the industry supports restricting vape products to adults above 18 years old.
“Vape products should only be used by adults, particularly cigarette smokers looking to quit. Many countries have proven that vaping is less harmful than cigarettes and can help smokers transition away from tobacco,” he said.
