THE vape retail display ban which will come into effect on 1 April 2025 will hinder adult smokers’ access to less harmful alternatives and perpetuate misinformation by equating vaping with smoking, said Advanced Centre for Addiction Treatment Advocacy (ACATA).
The non-governmental organisation warned that by treating vape and smoking as equivalent, the ban risks sending the wrong message to the public and further demonises vape, a tool that has been proven effective in helping smokers quit.
It also said that the ban could lead to a surge in smoking rates as it creates unnecessary barriers for smokers seeking less harmful alternatives.
“Vape products are widely recognised as an effective harm reduction tool, offering smokers a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes.
“The display ban will create unnecessary barriers for smokers who are trying to transition to less harmful alternatives, pushing them back towards smoking or the black market,” said ACATA president Dr Arifin Fii.
“Moreover, this approach overlooks the importance of responsible, educational displays that could help guide smokers towards informed decisions.”
According to Dr Arifin, the move could further lead to a reversal in the years of progress made in reducing smoking rates in Malaysia.
“We are now at risk of experiencing an increase in smoking rates if the display ban is enforced. We cannot afford to let this happen. The government must take a proactive approach by ensuring smokers have easy access to less harmful alternatives like vaping,” he added.
Dr Arifin went on to underscore that the focus of any regulation should be on harm reduction and encouraging smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives rather than enforcing blanket restrictions that create confusion and stigmatise products intended to help.
“Smokers need clear, visible, and responsible access to vaping as an alternative. The display of vape products should be done in a controlled manner, in a way that educates adult smokers but keeps them out of reach from non-smokers or the youth,” he continued.
“We urge the Health Ministry to drop the display ban for vape products and maintain it only for traditional tobacco.
“Vape products, when displayed responsibly, offer a lifeline to smokers looking to quit. By keeping them out of sight, the government risks exacerbating smoking rates and undermining public health goals.” – Oct 10, 2024
Main image: NST
