The representative of the World Health Organization in Malaysia has called for a nationwide ban on vapes, stating that regulatory loopholes pose risks to children and teenagers. Some states in Malaysia have already implemented such a ban, but a unified national policy is needed to fill the gaps in law enforcement.
Key points:
The WHO calls for a complete ban on vapes:
Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe. The World Health Organization representative in Malaysia has called for a nationwide ban on vapes, warning that regulatory loopholes pose risks of addiction, poisoning, and exposure to illegal substances for children and teenagers.
Public health crisis:
The use of vapes among Malaysian teenagers has soared, constituting a public health crisis. The vape industry attracts young people with brightly colored and flavored devices, claiming they are safer than cigarettes.
Insufficient existing regulations:
Although Malaysia has introduced age restrictions and advertising bans, Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, the chairman of the Malaysian Tobacco Control Committee (MCTC), stated that these measures are not sufficient to curb the surge in vape usage and its associated risks.
International precedents for bans:
40 countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, and Cambodia, have implemented complete bans to safeguard public health. Malaysia needs a unified national policy to fill the gaps in law enforcement.
Progress of local bans:
Sarawak plans to implement a statewide ban on vape sales; Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang have taken measures to ban sales; Johor and Kelantan have implemented similar bans since 2016 and 2015 respectively.
Malaysia should follow its neighbors in implementing a comprehensive ban on vapes
According to a report by freemalaysiatoday on July 22, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Malaysia has joined the call for a nationwide ban on vapes, warning that regulatory loopholes are putting children and teenagers at risk.
Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe stated that the use of vapes by Malaysian teenagers has become a public health crisis, with cases of addiction, poisoning, and exposure to illegal substances increasing.
“The time for action is now, not later,” he said in a joint statement with the Malaysian Tobacco Control Committee (MCTC).
He pointed out that the industry continues to exploit legal loopholes, using marketing tactics to attract young users by promoting colorful and diverse devices. These devices are usually promoted under the guise of being safer alternatives to cigarettes.
Insufficient existing regulations
Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, the chairperson of MCTC, stated that although Malaysia has introduced some regulations, such as age restrictions and advertising bans, these measures are still not sufficient to curb the surge in usage and the associated risks.
He pointed out that 40 countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Cambodia, have already implemented comprehensive bans to safeguard public health. He also stated that Malaysia needs a unified national policy to fill the gaps in law enforcement.
Last week, the Sarawak state government announced a plan to implement a statewide ban on the sale of vapes, due to concerns that they might be abused as a means of drug use.
Other states are also strengthening their law enforcement efforts. In Selangor, vape sellers have recently been warned to remove their advertisements or face action, although the state has not yet decided to implement a complete ban.
Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang states have taken measures to ban the sale of vapes, while Johor and Kelantan states have respectively implemented similar bans since 2016 and 2015.
