AN advocacy group for vape consumers has raised concern over the vape display ban introduced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which is set to take effect on April 1, 2025.
According to the Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA), the display ban not only limits consumers’ right to make informed decisions but also places unnecessary restrictions on access to crucial product information.
“The display ban for vape creates significant obstacles for adult consumers seeking to make fact-based choices about the products they use,” its president Khairil Azizi Khairuddin noted.
“By preventing users from browsing or viewing product options at the point of sale, the ban directly impacts consumers’ ability to access key information and data about product quality, nicotine content, and flavour profiles – all critical factors in making informed purchasing decisions.”
Khairil further pointed out that by forcing vape products out of sight, the ban sends a stigmatising message implying that vape is socially unacceptable, which could deter smokers from making the switch to vape.
“It is demoralising for those who are genuinely seeking a way to quit smoking, and it further isolates them from the harm reduction support they need,” he added.
Stressing that the ban goes against basic consumer rights, Khairil said limiting access to accurate information via a vape display ban not only hinders transparency but also leaves consumers in the dark, unable to get the information they need to make choices.
To this end, he called for the Health Ministry (MOH) to reconsider this element of Act 852 and remove the vape display ban.
“There are many adult vape users in Malaysia who have transitioned away from smoking. Our 2023 survey found 73.7% of vape users in Malaysia are former smokers. In fact, 80.1% of respondents had switched to vaping as a means to quit smoking,” he shared.
“These statistics share a realistic view of the use case for vape. Restricting consumer access to product information counteracts harm reduction efforts, which seek to provide smokers with less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes.” – Nov 7, 2024
