PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – More than four months have passed since the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) came into effect, but vape products continued to be sold online.
Although searching for “vapes” shows no results, specific brands can still lead to finding products.
To exacerbate the situation, dubious liquids marketed by sellers as “mushrooms” are also sold freely, asserting that they ensure passing urine tests.
On a social media site, different vape items are openly advertised in their online shopping area, featuring a variety of flavours from each seller. They also refer to the product as a “pod”, with prices starting as low as MYR10.
This sharply contrasts with the scenario when Act 852 was implemented on October 1 last year, when vapes were completely absent online.
Meanwhile, some sellers are promoting “mushroom juices” on a social media site and even providing delivery and self-collection options. They are only marketed solely within closed groups and not publicly.
The questionable liquids are contained into small bottles with droppers, available starting at MYR60. The vibrant liquids are available in 5ml and 10ml containers, which include single-use pods.
Another seller mentioned that purchasing larger quantities will receive an exclusive discount.
Earlier in January, the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) verified that the “magic mushroom” included liquids derived from cannabis, with many being abused via vaping.
In the Klang Valley, inspections at multiple vape shops revealed that they were adhering to regulations under Act 852.
Sellers have also started making certain their products are not visible from outside the store, even though a grace period has been provided in Malaysia until April 1 this year.
“At least now, we don’t have to rush as the work is already done,” said a vape store employee who preferred to be known only as Ramli.
At a different store, a worker named Fauzi said internal meetings were held to inform employees about the rules.
Vape products in various convenience stores were also noted to have been moved to locked containers behind counters.
The initial phase of Act 852 was enacted on October 1 last year. The second and third phases will be implemented starting April 1 and October 1 this year, respectively.
The Act aims to establish rules regarding registration, sale, packaging, labelling and banning smoking in public areas.
