LEGISLATION to regulate vaping in Malaysia is pending parliamentary approval but will now be frustratingly delayed due to political instability and election campaigning.
The forthcoming 15th General Election (GE15) is proving to be a key distraction to Malaysia strictly regulating the safety and sale of vaping products, according to the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (MOVE) president Samsul Kamal Ariffin.
“Malaysia’s Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s decision to regulate the vape industry is forward looking and highly commendable. Things were looking good but unfortunately the speed at which this bill will be approved is now directly related to what’s going on politically in Malaysia,” he pointed out.
“We are very disappointed that MPs are absent from Parliament, busy campaigning for state level elections. What’s more, the vaping legislation will be further delayed if the general election gets scheduled for May this year.”
Earlier this year, Malaysian vape advocates and users applauded the Health Ministry’s (MOH) efforts as it moved to prepare the legislation to progress through Parliament. Now commentators are concerned that delays to the Tobacco & Smoking Control Bill could see Malaysia lose an estimated RM1 bil in tax revenue.
Despite disappointing delays, Samsul Kamal said advocates for a Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) approach are keeping their eyes on the prize.
Meanwhile, the high-profile regional advocacy group, Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), remains confident that the legislation will be passed and Malaysia’s smoking rates will dramatically fall.
“The Philippines vaping legalisation is just awaiting presidential approval, and even Thailand is actively investigating ways to lift its failed vaping ban. We have every confidence in Malaysia doing the right thing once the elections have passed,” opined CAPHRA’s executive coordinator Nancy Loucas.
“Malaysian leaders know that 67 countries worldwide have now adopted regulatory frameworks on safer nicotine products and subsequently all have registered a dramatic decline in smoking.
“That’s a powerful proposition given smoking is rife in Malaysia and needlessly killing thousands of good people every year.”
According to CAPHRA, considerable and effective advocacy from local consumer groups in recent years was key to the Malaysian Government’s decision last year to legalise liquid nicotine and move forward with regulation.
“When Malaysia legislates and regulates vaping, it will send a big message to the world. Malaysia’s Health Minister has shown incredible leadership to date,” noted Loucas.
“We now await support from his parliamentary colleagues. Together they’ll save the lives of countless Malaysian smokers.” – March 21, 2022
