MRECA: Retailers call for engagement, not prohibition, on vape regulation

Focus Malaysia

3 days ago

THE Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) has expressed deep concern over the reported consideration of a nationwide ban on vape product sales, saying banning the legal sales of vape products would not resolve the issue as it would instead push users to the black market.
The body representing retailers in the vape industry stressed that retailers who operate within the legal framework are not the cause of the problem but yet, under a ban, it is these legitimate businesses that would be hit the hardest.
'We urge the government to recognise that banning legal sales will not solve misuse; it will simply dismantle the regulated retail ecosystem and create space for illegal, uncontrolled trade to flourish,' said its president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas.
'Many of our members have invested heavily in compliance, store upgrades, and training in line with new regulatory requirements under Act 852.
'To now threaten the survival of these businesses without addressing the root cause of misuse would be a devastating setback for thousands of entrepreneurs and workers.'
Emphasising the group's support for regulations but not prohibition, Adzwan further noted the clear distinction between misuse driven by illegal players and the efforts of licenced retailers who are committed to safe, responsible sales.
'If the concern is misuse, then the real issue lies in poor enforcement, not the existence of legal vape retailers,' he stressed, adding that misuse occurs when illegal sellers are allowed to operate freely without consequence.
As such, the government must prioritise strengthening enforcement mechanisms, including stricter monitoring of online sales, proactive raids on unlicensed outlets, and harsher penalties for those who flout the law.
'Blanket bans will only hurt those who are playing by the rule, while doing nothing to disrupt the illegal market that continues to profit without oversight,' Adzwan continued.
'We note the formation of the government's expert committee and support a thorough policy review. However, retailers must be part of this conversation. We are on the front lines. 'We see the trends. We know the gaps in enforcement, and we understand what responsible retailing looks like. Excluding us from the policymaking process will only lead to ineffective outcomes.'
Adzwan went on to call for Putrajaya to engage directly with the legal industry to develop practical and effective solutions to prevent misuse.
'Only through stronger enforcement and stakeholder collaboration can we build a regulated market that protects consumers and curbs misuse, without destroying the livelihoods of thousands of retailers,' he noted.
'A collaborative approach will allow us to strengthen regulations, improve compliance, and protect public health without dismantling a legitimate and growing sector of the economy.'
On Monday (July 28) Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that Putrajaya is considering a nationwide ban on the use ans sale of e-cigarettes or vapes.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, Dr Dzulkefly said a special committee from the Health Ministry will propose the ban to address the abuse of electronic cigarettes which will come in the form of a proposal where the ministry will bring this agenda to ban vapes. ‒ July 30, 2025
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