Kedah's vape licence freeze move lauded, but online sales still a concern
ALOR STAR: The Kedah Consumer Association (Cake) has commended the state government's decision to cease renewing business licences for vape and electronic cigarette retailers.
Its president, Yusrizal Yusof, praised the initiative as a positive step towards curbing vape addiction and encouraging a healthier lifestyle among Kedahans.
However, he also called for continued vigilance in monitoring online vape sales.
"The move targets sales at physical premises, but retailers may still operate from home or via online platforms," he told the New Straits Times.
"Therefore, we urge the government to ensure that all vape-related sales remain in compliance with existing regulations."
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced that the state government would not renew business licences for vape retailers expiring this year.
This measure forms part of a broader, stricter policy aimed at tackling the escalating threat of synthetic drug abuse.
He highlighted growing concerns over the misuse of synthetic drugs via vape products, which can be easily adulterated with illicit substances and distributed widely—including among school students.
Yusrizal also urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to root out illicit substances in vape products.
"We rarely hear of licensed vape retailers being involved in the sale of illegal substances. These products are mainly distributed by drug peddlers through online platforms," he said.
"We therefore call on the government to launch a targeted crackdown on those selling 'magic mushroom' vape products."
He added that curbing vape usage would require serious and sustained effort from the authorities, given its growing popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
"Even in Japan, vaping is gaining traction among individuals attempting to quit smoking, and we're witnessing a similar trend in many other countries," he said.
"Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, between 20 to 25 per cent of our population still smokes. Vaping is often seen as an alternative for those trying to quit smoking."
In a related appeal, Cake also told the state government to consider introducing restrictions on the sale of alcohol and conventional cigarettes as part of broader efforts to promote public health.
From an economic standpoint, Yusrizal acknowledged the need for a mitigation plan to address potential losses in tax revenue stemming from the vape sales ban in business premises.
"We understand that the federal government collects taxes on vape products. Therefore, the government will need to formulate a strategy to offset the revenue shortfall resulting from the prohibition of vape sales in licensed premises," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Greed driving illegal e-waste recycling activities, says DoE
ALOR STAR: Greed is the main driving force behind the surge in illegal electronic waste recycling activities across the country, according to the Department of Environment (DoE). Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said syndicates are willing to risk arrest due to the substantial profits generated from such unlawful operations. "We believe these syndicates are making significant profits from illegal e-waste recycling, fully aware that their actions are against the law. "This explains why illegal recycling activities persist, despite intensive crackdowns since last year," she told reporters after opening the Environmental Management and Compliance Seminar here today. Sharifah Zakiah said many of these illicit operations are carried out in remote areas, including oil palm plantations, to avoid detection. In some instances, she added, licensed recycling facilities are being used as fronts for these illegal activities. "This is why the public plays a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activities. In fact, several of our recent raids were prompted by public tip-offs after residents noticed the foul stench of burning e-waste," she said. Sharifah Zakiah issued a warning to those involved, highlighting the stiffer penalties under the amended Environmental Quality Act 1974, which came into force in July last year. The amendment raises the maximum fine to RM10 million, along with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years. In addition to targeting illegal e-waste recycling, Sharifah Zakiah said the Kedah DoE was intensifying efforts to tackle the unlawful disposal of scheduled industrial waste. She reminded industry players that they are subject to audits concerning their management of scheduled waste. "We will be inspecting companies that have failed to update their scheduled waste records, including those related to e-waste, based on lists provided by our headquarters," she said. Sharifah Zakiah also urged potential investors to engage with the DoE and Kedah Invest when selecting business sites to ensure suitability and full compliance with environmental regulations. The seminar saw the participation of 430 people and exhibitors and was jointly organised by the Kedah DoE and the Kedah Environment Club. "We invited experts and companies involved in industrial waste management from across the country to share their knowledge with industry players in Kedah.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- New Straits Times
RON95 price cap a relief for SMEs, say Kedah business and consumer groups
ALOR STAR: Kedah business and consumer groups have lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement to maintain the RON95 petrol price, calling it a responsible move. The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM) Kedah chapter said the Prime Minister's assurance offers relief to the business community and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating under mounting cost-of-living pressures. "The statement is seen as a responsible measure, particularly for businesses and SMEs navigating a fragile economic environment. "However, it must be followed by broader and more transparent economic reforms, not merely short-term subsidies without a long-term direction," it said in a statement today. DPMM Kedah warned that any abrupt removal of the RON95 subsidy could trigger a fresh wave of inflation, jeopardising the price stability of essential goods and mounting pressure on micro and small businesses. Citing an SME Bank study, the group said a 10-sen increase in RON95 prices could raise the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by 0.27 percentage points. "If the subsidy were removed entirely, inflation could surge by as much as 3.1 percentage points. "This highlights the sensitivity of the Malaysian economy to changes in fuel prices," it said, adding that any shift to a targeted model must be gradual and data-driven. "Without a comprehensive database, genuine recipients risk being excluded, further widening inequality," DPMM Kedah said. It said fuel subsidies, including for liquefied natural gas (LNG), are placing long-term pressure on the national budget, with Malaysia spending RM81 billion in 2023, much of it on RON95. The group urged the government to expand dialogue with industry players in designing a subsidy rationalisation plan to avoid sudden shocks to the domestic business ecosystem. Meanwhile, Consumer Association of Kedah (Cake) president Yusrizal Yusoff welcomed the prime minister's commitment not to raise RON95 prices, while addressing the misuse of subsidies by foreigners and the wealthy. "Consumers are relieved by the assurance. "Many Malaysians are already burdened by high living costs. "A fuel price hike would only worsen the situation," he said. Yusrizal said most Malaysians rely on RON95 for personal and business transport, including logistics. He called for strict enforcement to prevent foreigners and luxury vehicle owners from using RON95, which is meant for ordinary Malaysians. "We already have a system where luxury cars and foreigners must use unsubsidised RON97. "This policy just needs to be enforced effectively." However, he cautioned against mechanisms that would complicate or slow down fuel purchases for locals, such as mandatory identity checks. "If users are required to scan their identification cards, this could delay transactions at petrol stations. Many outlets already provide convenient options like debit card pumps. "A cumbersome system may only frustrate users," he said. Yusrizal urged the government to adopt a practical and efficient approach to managing RON95 purchases to protect subsidies without inconveniencing the public.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Vape bans unlikely to curb synthetic drug abuse, says industry rep
ALOR STAR: The decision by several state governments to impose a blanket ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products will not effectively tackle the issue of synthetic drug abuse, said an industry representative. Shahabudeen Jalil, managing director of a homegrown vape manufacturing company in Kuala Lumpur, said the move would unfairly penalise legitimate players in the supply chain. "Do we truly believe that banning the sale of vapes in licensed outlets will immediately resolve the synthetic drug problem? I highly doubt it. "Let me draw a parallel. Suppose a bogus doctor is found operating through a social media platform. In response, we enact a law to shut down all private clinics operating legally. That's precisely what's happening here. "Synthetic drugs are being sold by drug peddlers via social media, not over the counter in vape outlets. So, how confident are we that the problem will be resolved by simply closing vape outlets?" he told the New Straits Times. On April 24, the Terengganu state government announced a ban on the sale of vape products at all premises across the state, effective from Aug 1. On Wednesday, the Perlis state government made a similar announcement, also to take effect on Aug 1, as part of its efforts to reduce vape use among youths. Later that day, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state government would not renew any vape retail licences due to expire this year, adopting a stricter stance to combat the rising threat of synthetic drug abuse. Johor and Kelantan have enforced similar vape bans since 2016. Commenting further, Shahabudeen said vape product manufacturers and retailers strictly comply with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and would not risk penalties by selling illicit substances. "Synthetic drugs like vape mushrooms are imported—they are not produced locally. Peddlers are openly selling them on social media platforms. "Yet, those being penalised are the ones operating legally under Act 852," he said in a phone interview. Shahabudeen estimated that approximately 30,000 individuals are currently employed across the national vape industry supply chain, from manufacturing to retail. He said at least 70 workers at his company's 15 branches in the affected states risk losing their jobs, most of whom are youths. "We have over 300 employees at our manufacturing plant, and we will be forced to reduce production due to declining demand following the bans," he added. He also questioned the rationale behind the bans being framed as public health measures, pointing out that the sale of traditional cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, both known to be harmful, remains permitted in these states.
