The Penang Customer Association of Malaysia has called on the Ministry of Health to tighten legal regulations to avoid the use of loopholes in marketing strategies by manufacturers of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The Health Minister said he expects new laws and regulations on selling vape brands to be implemented soon.
According to The July 15. Malaysia Penang Customer Association Report (CAP) called on the Ministry of Health to tighten legal regulations to prevent manufacturers of e-cigarettes and cigarette products from using loopholes in their marketing strategies.
While the government quickly suspended the operation of e-cigarette device vending machines at a shopping center in Kuala Lumpur. CAP chairman Mohideen Abdul Kader said any new regulations governing the sale and use of e-cigarette-related products need to be comprehensive. Blocking all potential loopholes.
Mohideen noted that to appeal to young people and women. The tobacco industry introduced flavored, colorful packages and finer tobaccos in 2007. Similar tactics are now seen in e-cigarette brands, even choosing cartoon characters to appeal to children.
- “We hope the new law will cover all the 2004 Tobacco Products Control Regulations loopholes. The Ministry of Health must anticipate innovative ways for manufacturers to avoid laws and regulations, as seen in 2007.”
Mohidin suggested that agencies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) be involved in controlling the online sale of e-cigarette devices and accessories.
On Saturday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifi Ahmad. (Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad) was said that specific laws and regulations on the sale of vape brands. Vending machine sales were expected to be implemented soon. He noted that the Office of the Director General of the Attorney General’s Chambers (DGAC) is in the final stages of studying these laws and regulations. Which will then be allowed.
Malaysian Retail Vape Association (MRECA) Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas, also welcomed the regulation of vape brands. Claimed that the association called the police on vending machines in shopping centers after the matter was brought to its attention on social media platforms.
I contacted the operator and advised him to stop operating this illegal machine as MRECA President.
MRECA is against this vending machine as children or minors could use it.
Azwan also emphasized that the association is against the sale of e-cigarette brands online because the situation may be uncontrollable and minors may try to buy these goods.
- “We support the regulation of e-cigarette brands because we don’t want these products to be abused or fall into the hands of children. If this happens, it will give the whole industry a bad image.”
He said, “We fully support it, but we hope the health department will not be too strict.”
Before implementing the new regulations. Azwan also hopes that the health ministry will communicate with industry players to give retailers time to prepare adequately.
Since retailers need to clear their stocks, a transition period of at least three years is fair. If there are restrictions on the sale of certain products.
