THE Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) has urged the Health Ministry (MOH) to hold an engagement session with all parties in the industry and provide detailed information regarding the regulations that will be introduced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Following a recent news report, it has been disclosed that the MOH has drafted proposed regulations under the Act. These drafts are presently under review by legal officers, and a memorandum paper is being prepared for submission to the Cabinet for approval.
“The industry still has not received any detailed information about the regulations that will be introduced for the vape industry,” said MVCC secretary general Ridhwan Rosli.
“Earlier this year, the MOH held a consultation session with the industry but did not provide detailed information regarding the regulatory framework for the vaping industry. At that time, we were informed that discussions and research were still being conducted by the MOH. It was quite a surprise when we read the news report stating that regulations have been drafted and were now under evaluation by legal officials.”
According to him, this matter should be taken seriously as the industry needs to be involved in a transparent discussion regarding the proposed regulations and policies considered by the MOH.
“So far, we do not know the details of the proposed regulations and whether it will affect the current operations of the industry.”
Ridhwan added that the industry needs to know regulatory details surrounding product content, the type of products allowed to be sold, the maximum volume allowed, the permissible level of nicotine, and the guidelines for packaging and selling.
“All these are details need to be discussed with the industry because they involve products that are being sold and available in the market. If regulations are developed and they do not consider the impact on current operations, many entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises and workers will be affected.
“The vape industry currently has more than 3,000 local retailers and a workforce of over 30,000 from all walks of life. If this industry is affected due to unreasonable regulations, then there is a possibility that many retailers will be affected and may have to shut down their business resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs,” he further added.
Moreover, MVCC hopes that MOH will hold consultation sessions and provide explanations regarding the policies and proposed regulations that are being considered so that the industry can obtain detailed information.
“We request for the MOH to hold engagement sessions that involves all parties in the industry and that the proposals being considered are shared in detail and transparently for discussion.” – March 14, 2024
Main photo credit: The Star
