Latest news with #M.Murallitharan
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Groups call for joint crack down on online vape sales
PETALING JAYA: A well-coordinated and joint effort among the relevant authorities is needed to effectively crack down against online vape sales, say anti-tobacco advocates. This comes as vapes and e-liquids are still being sold openly online, despite their prohibition under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852). Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control president Assoc Prof Dr M. Murallitharan said tackling the issue could not solely rest with the Health Ministry. 'The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and other related authorities must take a strong policing stance. 'It is not a single agency or ministry's issue. 'The Health Ministry can take the lead, but the other authorities must come on board,' he said. 'It is a joke that these products can be found so easily, and that the issue cannot be resolved,' he said. 'Any quarters found doing this should be taken to task,' he said. Without any strict policing efforts, he said Act 852 would remain just for optics. Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) senior education officer NV Subbarow said both the Health Ministry and MCMC must work together to eradicate online sales of vapes and e-liquids. 'If MCMC can take immediate action against provocative statements online, why can't it take action against online vape sellers?' he said. 'Our government must be very serious in tackling this. There must be no excuses.' He said a lack of enforcement could expose children to more harmful substances in the future. Meanwhile, vape groups also voiced support for the ban on online vape sales. 'We are completely against this (online sales) as it makes the product accessible to minors. These websites don't have any age verification,' said Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities president Samsul Kamal Arrifin. He urged MCMC to block access to websites selling vape products and for authorities to ensure the location of premises applying to sell vapes are not near schools or easily accessible to schoolchildren. Samsul Kamal also called on the Health Ministry to ensure the products are only sold in specialised vape shops and not convenience stores. 'The former have trained staff who can verify the age of buyers,' he said. According to Malaysia E-Vapor-isers and Tobacco Alternative Association secretary Zain Azrul, selling vape products through independent websites is illegal and goes against regulatory goals, public health and the integrity of licensed businesses. 'All sales should go through licensed physical retail shops with proper age verification. 'Illegal online sales pose a serious risk by avoiding in-person age verification,' he said. The group also strongly supports strict enforcement measures against illegal online sales of vape products, he added.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urged to strengthen tobacco licensing and enforcement
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's top tobacco control group is urging local authorities to step up checks on licensed businesses selling tobacco products. Backed by the Local Government Act 1976, the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said local councils must enforce business compliance with regulations set by national agencies, including the Health Ministry and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). MCTC president Dr M. Murallitharan said that since 2022, all tobacco retailers in Malaysia are required to be licensed by LKTN and to display the permit prominently as part of stricter measures to curb illicit sales. "This measure is crucial to curb the sale of illicit tobacco products that have disrupted the legal market and caused significant economic losses," he said in a statement. MCTC is a non-governmental coalition of health professionals and public health advocates working to promote tobacco control policies, support enforcement, and protect young people from tobacco and nicotine products. Dr Murallitharan also urged local authorities to enforce regulations, including mandatory "No Smoking" signs, a ban on displaying smoking products at sales counters, and restrictions on marketing to minors. Councils must strengthen enforcement by making public health rules a core condition of business licences, helping to reduce overlap with other agencies, he said. Dr Murallitharan also said all local councils should take proactive steps to review and tighten their licensing terms, incorporating relevant legal and regulatory requirements to support national efforts to protect consumers and public health.
