KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 — Local e-cigarette and vape industry stakeholders today lauded the federal government’s decision and measures taken to introduce laws in regulating vape in the country.
In a statement, the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) said it is a step that is precise and needed to regulate the vape industry.
“This is a preliminary step to enable regulation to be introduced in the industry and we fully support the steps the Government is taking,” MRECA president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas said in a statement.
Last week the Government exempted nicotine-containing vape liquid from the Poisons Act and introduced a tax on the product.
During yesterday’s parliamentary session, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a new bill would be tabled as soon as possible to regulate the vape industry.
MRECA said the Government should have measures as an interim solution by amending the existing Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 (PPKHT 2004) while waiting for a new bill to be tabled in Parliament.
“The bill still needs details and discussions with various parties including industry as stated by the Prime Minister yesterday. If it can be tabled and passed in the next session of Parliament, the new bill will only be available at the earliest in August while the relevant regulations will only be introduced by the end of the year. As an interim measure, the industry is proposing that existing regulations such as PPKHT be amended to initiate regulation of the vape industry.
“This measure will ensure immediate control over vape products such as no sale of products to individuals under the age of 18, compliance with specifications and product standards, curbing product abuse, as well as control over sales and marketing activities,” said Adzwan.
MRECA requested that the Ministry of Health be involved in the discussions on regulatory details for the vape industry between industry players.
“Since the Unity Government was formed, the vape industry has not had the opportunity to discuss with the Ministry of Health Malaysia on regulatory matters.
“Discussions with the industry are needed so that the regulations to be introduced take into account the latest needs and data from the industry,” said Adzwan.
Anwar yesterday also said that policy in control should not be too drastic by prohibiting the use of vape fully.
“MRECA welcomes the statement made by the Prime Minister in this matter. The vape industry has been developed by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and local entrepreneurs.
“It has also given birth to an ecosystem that is part of the country’s economy. The drastic move to completely ban the use of vape is unjustified and will only eliminate the local industry.
“Therefore, regulating the industry is a reasonable step and a simple approach as stated by the Prime Minister should be taken,” said Adzwan.
