The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce has called on the Health Ministry to strengthen the implementation of the new Tobacco Control Act and oppose a total ban, stressing that the ban is ineffective and will lead to a black market. The Act is being implemented in phases, and a lot of adaptation time needs to be given.
According to a recent report by The Sun, people in the vape industry pointed out that Malaysia’s Ministry of Health should focus on strengthening the implementation of the Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024, known as Bill 852, instead of once again discussing the possibility of a total ban.
Act 852 regulates the sale, packaging, and use of cigarette commodities, including vapes. Malaysian vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli said any policy reversal caught off balance would only add to the uncertainty. The e-cigarette industry has always supported responsible controls, and a blanket ban has proven ineffective. Bans do not eliminate demand; they only push products to the black market, which is harder to control.
Earlier, it was reported that the Ministry of Health was ready to carefully consider a complete ban on vapes if necessary. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the priority is to regulate and control the use of vapes, including through mandatory product registration.
Rosli mentioned that Act 852 is being implemented in phases. He stressed that all stakeholders, including industry players, should have enough time to fully adapt to these laws and regulations. Rosli made it clear that vape brands are only for adult smokers who want to quit. In contrast to ineffective bans, education needs to ensure that vapes are not a gateway for smokers, but a tool for damage reduction.
