THE Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) has voiced its concern over the government’s tendency to focus on banning or excessively regulating vape products while conventional cigarettes which are proven to be far more harmful have remained on the market for decades without equally firm action.
If the government’s objective is to protect public health, then measures must be implemented in a fair and balanced manner, according to MRECA president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas.
“Why are products such as vape which fall under the same legal framework as cigarettes through Act 852 ( Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024) being singled out as the primary target while cigarettes including those illicit ones continue to be sold openly without serious enforcement?” he asked.
“At the same time, the industry has spent millions of ringgit with the Health Ministry (MOH) to obtain product approvals simply to comply with previously imposed requirements. Substance abuuse through smoking is not a new issue; in fact, smoking habits among students have existed for a long time.”
Adzwan further contended that MRECA is not opposed to regulation but “we demand regulation that is fair and grounded in facts and scientific evidence”.
Curtailing imbalance approach
“Consumers have the right to legal and safer choices rather than being forced back to conventional cigarettes or the black market due to irrational bans,” justified the chairman of VEmpire Malaysia which is touted as the leading vape company in Southeast Asia,
“Consumers do have a choice if they want products that are safe and free from prohibited substances by obtaining them from legitimate, licensed vape specialty stores rather than through illegal or underground channels.”
On the same note, MRECA stressed that an imbalanced government approach could drive consumers back to conventional cigarettes or the black market if vape products are restricted or banned.
This would not only undermine public health objectives but also negatively impact legitimate local traders who have invested heavily in the industry.
“The government must avoid double standards by instead focusing on developing rational policies through open dialogue with legitimate industry players, enhancing public education and strengthening enforcement against smuggled cigarettes,” added Adzwan.
As an association representing legitimate traders in the vape industry, MRECA remains committed to working with the government to formulate fair and pragmatic regulations.
The primary goal should be to protect public health in a realistic – not merely symbolic – manner while ensuring consumer choice is respected and the black market is curbed rather than strengthened by unbalanced prohibitions. – Jan 6, 2026
Main image credit: EDGE Vaping
