THE government finds it difficult to impose a total vape ban, according to senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar. He emphasised the need for better regulation to prevent the sale of vape liquids mixed with illegal substances, as the vape industry is largely dominated by young entrepreneurs.
“This vape industry is large and involves young people. What is more important is how the existing ecosystem can help curb misuse (of drugs through vape). It is quite difficult for the government to make a drastic decision to ban vapes, just as it would be to ban cigarettes.
“In my opinion, we have vape industry players who are mostly rational and responsible young people.
“They understand that misuse will not only affect their business but also their generation,” he said during the Analisis Madani programme titled Malaysia Aman: Sovereignty and Security, which was broadcast live on TV Al Hijrah.
Nevertheless, users on X have spoken, saying the government should have done a better job in curbing the rise of vaping in Malaysia. For some netizens, the government’s reluctance to ban vapes despite clear evidence of their health risks, raises serious concerns.
Macam ni polisi kerajaan? Biar industri yang menyebabkan penyakit terus beroperasi sebab anak muda ramai dalam bisnes ni? Tak heranlah beban perkhidmatan kesihatan awam semakin berat.
— Trigger (@StiltskinMan) January 30, 2025
On the arguments by Shamsul that a ban is difficult because young entrepreneurs dominate the industry, netizens have a lot to say. They asked, since when does economic opportunity justify public harm?
If the goal is wealth creation, should we legalise all harmful industries? Should drugs be allowed simply because they generate income?
Oooo….macam tu ke? Anak2 muda kalau nak kaya jual vape ya? Kalau nak lagi kaya jual dadah la bro. Jangan haramkan dadah. Semua boleh kaya. @DrDzul @anwaribrahim
— Suraya Aziz (@SurayaAOfficial) January 30, 2025
For others, this policy contradiction is frustrating. The government finds it “too difficult” to ban vaping, yet burdens like PTPTN loans and toll fees remain.
The argument that regulating vape is a better option ignores the reality – regulation does not prevent addiction, nor does it stop the sale of vape liquids laced with synthetic drugs.
Sukar nak hapuskan vape? Lagi sukar nak hapuskan Ptptn dan Toll. @titm_official
Lepas ni guna akal, dua benda ni jgn guna untuk kempen politik raih undi.Hentikan pembodohan kpd pengundi.
— ☣™ (@Dane_Lombardo) January 30, 2025
For one user, the public healthcare system is already struggling with rising cases of vape-related illnesses. Who will bear the cost? The taxpayers.
Overall, many feel that if something is dangerous to public health, the solution is not to justify its existence but to take firm action.
“The youth should be encouraged to pursue healthier, more sustainable businesses. Isn’t the government’s main role to protect the well-being of its people? It’s time to stop making excuses and do what is right,” the user wrote. — Feb 1, 2025
Benda baik nak buat memang sukar, tp berbaloi. Apa kata cuba buat. It just means anak muda kena berniaga benda lain yg lebih berfaedah utk kemaslahatan umum.Bukan ke tu fungsi utama kerajaan? Utk menjaga kesejahteraan rakyat? Bukan beri alasan utk org.
— Humdum (@Humdumsss) January 31, 2025
Main photo credit: The Star
