No watchdog, more risk: Vape misuse soars amid regulatory void

New Straits Times

11-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of a dedicated regulatory body overseeing the contents and quality of vape products in Malaysia is a significant factor contributing to their misuse, including the presence of illicit substances.
Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli said that without proper oversight, there would be no mechanism to verify the safety and legality of vape products available to consumers.
This lack of regulation had led to instances where vapes were used to consume illegal drugs, he told Buletin Utama.
"There is no agency in Malaysia that regulates the quality of vape products. This is exactly why we're seeing the misuse of vapes for drug consumption," he added.
Ridhwan said that the absence of checks allowed for the sale of unverified and potentially harmful products.
He was commenting on the government's move to impose a ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes — a decision that has left many industry players and traders in a state of uncertainty.
He said that instead of an outright ban, the government should consider implementing a proper regulatory framework to control and monitor the industry.
Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (Move) president Samsul Kamal Ariffin said that such a ban could lead to the proliferation of untested and unapproved products, exacerbating health risks.
"We will lose out on the consumer side, as the products will no longer be regulated at all — this will lead to a black market filled with untested and unapproved items," he said.
Pointing out the economic implications, he said that the government would miss out on potential tax revenue from the industry.
According to the Malaysian Vape Industry Study 2023, the vape market was valued at over RM3.48 billion in 2023, involving more than 7,500 premises and employing over 31,500 individuals.
The study indicates that a significant number of smokers have switched to vaping, with 31 per cent of Malaysian smokers having completely transitioned to vape products.
On May 4, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the government was encouraging more states to cease issuing licences to premises selling vape and e-cigarettes, in line with actions already taken by some states.
On April 24, Terengganu Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah announced that the state would ban the sale of vape products at all premises from Aug 1.
Wan Sukairi said the decision was a proactive measure to curb the sale and use of vape products, which could have negative health effects on the younger generation.
On April 27, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he wanted to emulate Terengganu's move, adding that he would raise the matter at the state executive council meeting.
Previously, both Johor and Kelantan had enforced a ban on the sale of vape and e-cigarette products since January 2016.