VAPE is not risk-free, as many studies would tell us, but there is growing scientific evidence that it is certainly less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
With the Government’s Generational Endgame (GEG) – better known as the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill – on the horizon, the vape community and consumers have urged the Government to reconsider its plans for the Bill.
“We strongly support the Government’s decision in introducing the GEG to tackle the high rise of cancer patients in Malaysia however the ban does not only affect smoking and prohibits the ownership of tobacco, but also vape products,” said the Vape Consumer Association of Malaysia (VCAM).
“In order to protect the younger generation and achieve a smoke-free nation, VCAM firmly urges the Government to introduce laws and regulations for the sale of vaping products.”
VCAM said as a consumer association, it opposed any form of vape use by underaged consumers whether they contain nicotine or otherwise, and by having regulations all vape products will only be sold to adult consumers in a safe and legal manner.
“Should vaping be banned smokers would no longer have a safe alternative to turn to and they might have to resort to quitting cold turkey which has been proven to be less effective,” it justified.
“We understand how the nation’s current concern – with multiple incidences of underaged vaping and abuse of vapes by parents – has penetrated our mainstream and social media.
“Selling and buying vaping products to anyone aged under 18 should be strictly prohibited to avoid misuse and violations of nicotine vaping products.”
VCAM further noted that netizens are similarly claiming for the regulations to strike a balance, ensuring vaping products are available for smokers as a cessation tool and concurrently ensuring these products are not marketed or sold to underaged people.
“As Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently said, it will take at least two years for community education, a robust implementation plan, and ramp-up enforcement,” it pointed out.
“Should alternatives not be made available, the GEG could contribute to the rising demand for tobacco products in the black market.
“With no proper restrictions or regulations, tobacco products sold in the black market can be counterfeited, which can then cause bodily harm due to the unregulated ingredients and quality.” – July 27, 2022
