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.
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