Fomca warns of vape industry's manipulative tactics undermining public health efforts

New Straits Times

02-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) has raised serious concerns over the growing influence of the vape industry, warning that companies are employing manipulative tactics to undermine public health efforts in Malaysia.
According to its tobacco control coordinator, Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, these companies are actively shaping public opinion to deflect attention from the significant health risks posed by their products, particularly to young Malaysians.
"These companies are using deceptive strategies that exploit public sentiment to obstruct national health policies, placing Malaysians, especially our youth, at serious risk," he said.
Sha'ani added that one of the most common tactics involves aggressive marketing strategies, including bright, multicoloured packaging designed to attract young people, particularly teenagers and children.
"The vape sticks often come in various colours and sleek designs, turning them into fashionable, must-have accessories among the younger crowd," he said.
Fomca also welcomed the recent disclosure by the police regarding the misuse of vape liquids as a medium for drug distribution. This follows revelations by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who said drug syndicates are now infusing vape products with addictive substances to foster long-term dependency.
"This alarming development confirms that vape products are not only a public health hazard but are now being used as a gateway to drug abuse—our nation's number one enemy," Sha'ani said.
"If we fail to act swiftly, we risk losing an entire generation to dual addictions, nicotine and illicit drugs, marketed in bright, attractive packaging clearly aimed at children and teenagers."
Citing recent analyses, Fomca said that over 90 per cent of vape product manufacturing and market share in Malaysia is now controlled by companies affiliated with global tobacco giants, corporations that have long been known to prioritise profit over public health.
The organisation also urged the government, media, civil society, and the public not to be misled by the industry's rhetoric, which it claims masks harmful intent behind the guise of economic contribution.
"Stakeholders must understand that these narratives serve to conceal a far more dangerous agenda that jeopardises national health and safety," said Sha'ani.
Fomca called for immediate and decisive action from the government and enforcement agencies to address the escalating threat.
"This must include a total ban on vape products that act as gateways to youth addiction, strict enforcement of pharmaceutical and narcotics laws on nicotine and similar substances, and firm action against manufacturers and distributors who deliberately target young people.
"Vape products must be tightly regulated and must never be allowed to become tools of drug distribution, which poses a direct threat to our national security," Sha'ani added.
Earlier, on April 19, Fomca secretary-general Saravanan Thambirajah urged state governments to ban vape sales through local councils, citing growing concern over the products' accessibility, flashy advertising that appeals to minors, and rising complaints from parents and educators about youth exposure to nicotine and synthetic drugs.