I WRITE as a resident of Seberang Perai to question the state government’s proposal to ban vape sales in Penang. While public health is undeniably important, a blanket prohibition risks infringing the rights of those who choose vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking.
This approach mirrors Kedah’s recent ban on 4D lottery outlets. Despite shutting down these shops, illegal betting platforms such as iBox continue to flourish unchecked. Why should we believe a vape ban would yield better results?
First, enforcement challenges are clear. Denying business licences to vape retailers will simply push sales underground, depriving the government of excise revenue and leaving consumers exposed to unregulated products of unknown quality.
If the goal is to protect public health, surely it makes more sense to allow legitimate sales through licensed tobacco and nicotine retailers.
Such outlets could ensure product safety, enforce age restrictions, display mandatory health warnings, and provide accurate information on harm reduction.
Second, the majority of vape devices and e-liquids entering Malaysia are sourced from China, often smuggled in alongside illicit cigarettes and unregulated alcohol products.
Shouldn’t Royal Malaysian Customs be on the front lines—intercepting these shipments, strengthening border controls, and collaborating with state authorities—rather than burdening local businesses with a prohibitive ban?
Third, there is a question of fairness. Nicotine vapes remain legal under federal law, and their use is primarily concentrated among adult smokers seeking a safer alternative.
Treating them like illicit substances or using licensing to block access risks alienating a sizeable group of responsible, law-abiding adults.
Finally, history cautions us against prohibition as a first resort. The 4D ban in Kedah has driven the market online and into informal networks. This is hardly an ideal outcome.
Rather than pushing vapers into the shadows, Penang should adopt a nuanced policy: permit sales in designated, licensed outlets; invest savings from reduced enforcement costs into cessation programmes and monitor outcomes closely.
If we are to reduce harm and uphold individual rights, let’s regulate wisely rather than resort to outright bans. – May 14, 2025
Tan Ah Weng
Seberang Perai
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
