Latest news with #electroniccigarettes
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Ispire Malaysia says Johor plant operating above board
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad had said that the Cabinet would decide on the fate of Ispire Malaysia Sdn Bhd's operations in Senai, Johor. (LinkedIn pic) PETALING JAYA : Ispire Malaysia Sdn Bhd today affirmed that its plant in Senai, Johor, which manufactures electronic cigarette devices, is fully compliant with local laws and regulations. In a statement, the firm said it operates under stringent procedures to ensure that all manufacturing activities at its Johor facility are exclusively for export purposes. 'To date, Ispire Malaysia exclusively manufactures semi-finished hardware products destined solely for export. 'These products do not contain any nicotine or cannabis – liquid or gel – and thus are not subject to the health ministry's regulations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024,' it said. It added that the products manufactured in its Johor facility are not marketed, sold, or distributed within Malaysia and not accessible to local consumers. All finished products are exported to regulated international markets such as the US and UK where they are approved for sale by local regulators, the company said. The firm also said that references cited in recent reports were largely drawn from Ispire's official US website and pertained to its business-to-business sales operations in jurisdictions where cannabis and related products are legal. 'These statements do not accurately reflect the operations of Ispire Malaysia, which strictly adheres to all Malaysian laws and regulatory requirements/frameworks,' it said. Health think tank CodeBlue previously reported that Ispire produces nicotine and cannabis-related vaping products, and that its devices are used by clients to fill cartridges with cannabis oils in global markets. The report cited an investor presentation in Las Vegas in April, published on YouTube on May 6, which stated that Ispire produces 'mainly cannabis-related products' in its Malaysian manufacturing facility, which has up to seven production lines. In a statement last week, the health ministry confirmed that the government had issued Ispire an interim nicotine manufacturing licence to produce e-cigarettes with nicotine in its plant in Johor, together with local council approval. However, CodeBlue noted that the ministry's June 2 statement did not mention the plant's production of cannabis vaporisers, which reportedly began in February 2024. Ispire Malaysia today said that any production of nicotine-based products, if initiated, would be strictly for export and subject to formal approval by all relevant government agencies at both federal and state levels. Yesterday, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the Cabinet would decide on the fate of Ispire's operations in Malaysia.
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Perak needs further study on use of vapes, e-cigarettes
Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said the study will cover health concerns and the potential impact of a ban on traders and other stakeholders. IPOH : The Perak government is looking into the possibility of banning the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes in the state. Menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said this was discussed at a recent state executive council meeting, but further study is needed before a decision can be made. He said state human resources, health, Indian community affairs and integration committee chairman A Sivanesan has been tasked with leading the review. 'I've spoken to Sivanesan as this requires a thorough health assessment. However, we must also consider other factors,' he said at a press conference after launching the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and Perak Smart Cities Blueprint 2040 today. Saarani said the state has received a request for a meeting from the vape traders' association, which will also be taken into account. The findings of the review, which will cover health concerns and the potential impact on traders and other stakeholders, are expected to be presented at the next exco meeting. Saarani had earlier said a decision on the vape ban was expected at the May 28 exco meeting. Several other state governments have banned vape sales or are considering it.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Vape ban under review in Perak as MB cites need for thorough study and stakeholder talks
IPOH, June 4 — The Perak state government has not yet reached a decision on whether to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Saarani said several factors need to be taken into account before any action is taken, including discussions with the Vape Traders Association. 'I've received a request from the vape traders association to meet with me regarding this issue. 'There are various aspects that must be carefully examined before a final decision can be made,' he told a press conference after officiating the launch of the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040 at Meru Casuarina Hotel here. Saarani also revealed that the matter was briefly discussed during a recent state executive council (exco) meeting. However, he said no in-depth deliberation has taken place as a comprehensive study is still required. 'I've already had a word with the health exco A. Sivanesan. There are still several elements that need thorough evaluation,' he said. Saarani said Sivanesan will lead the review from a public health perspective while also considering the potential impact on vape traders — similar to how cigarette regulations are handled. 'Once all factors are considered, we hope to arrive at a clearer direction on whether to proceed with a ban,' he said. When asked about the timeline for a decision, he expressed hope that Sivanesan would be able to present the matter at an upcoming exco meeting as soon as possible. Earlier, it was reported that a total of 76 vape-related poisoning cases linked to suspected prohibited substances were referred to the National Poison Centre (PRN) at Universiti Sains Malaysia between 2020 and 2024. The cases have risen sharply since 2022, with a significant increase observed over the past three years. Of these, 81 per cent involved vapes marketed as 'magic mushroom vape'. Most victims were teenagers aged 15 to 19 (41 per cent) and young adults aged 20 to 24 (53 per cent), highlighting a growing health threat among the younger population.
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Vape addiction among students sparks calls in Penang state assembly for total sales ban across business premises
GEORGE TOWN, May 20 — Several assemblymen here today asked the state government to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape at all business premises in Penang, as had been done in several states. A. Kumaresan (PH-Batu Uban) said the use of electronic cigarettes has now become a very serious phenomenon among teenagers and the elderly, therefore the state government should examine from a policy and legal perspective for progressive actions that can be taken in the state. 'Kedah, Johor and Terengganu have announced drastic measures by not renewing the licences for the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape in the states. 'I would like to urge the state government to state a clear stance on the sale of vape and electronic cigarettes, especially to teenagers because it involves public health and the future of our children,' he said when debating the address of Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. Meanwhile, Mohamad Shukor Zakariah (PN-Pulau Betong) hopes the state government will ban the sale of vapes in all premises in Penang as their use among school students is increasingly worrying and harmful to health. He said an increasing number of secondary school students in five states namely Penang, Perlis, Kedah, Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur were found to be addicted to vape. For example, a three-year survey by the Penang Consumers Association (CAP) from 2021 showed actions taken against 15,000 school students in the five states, he said, and it was found that 8,000 of them smoke vape, including 2,000 female students. 'In addition, 4,000 primary school students were also found smoking vape and it is worrying because vape is easy to obtain,' he said. Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PN-Penaga) also said that the symptoms of vape use are a very critical problem because many young people are addicted and it is also more dangerous than cigarettes because 65 per cent of its content contains prohibited substances and is easy to manipulate with new drugs. 'There is a case in Penaga where a secondary school student smoked 'magic mushroom' vape and became 'depressed' and is now not going to school because his father had to monitor him,' he said. On April 29, Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said a meeting with relevant agencies was held to discuss the proposal to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape at all business premises in Penang, before being presented in the State Executive Council. The State Assembly session continues tomorrow. — Bernama
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Selangor orders vape ad seizures, mulls sales ban amid rising teen use
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — The Selangor government has directed local councils to seize all vape-related advertisements across the state with immediate effect. This move comes as part of early efforts to curb the rising use of electronic cigarettes, particularly among teenagers. State executive councillor for public health Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the directive was made following a recent coordination meeting she chaired. The meeting included officials from the Selangor Health Department, Economic Planning Unit, district health offices and local governments. Authorities discussed various enforcement challenges, including licensing issues and the legal framework surrounding vape products. They also raised concerns over online sales, which remain difficult to regulate and are a popular route for youth access. 'Nearly 14.9 per cent of teenage boys aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia are vape users,' said Jamaliah, citing the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey. She described the figure as 'deeply alarming' and said it reflected 'an urgent need for proactive action at the state level.' The state will hold a follow-up meeting to review potential policy options before submitting final proposals to the Selangor executive council. Until then, she said all councils have been told to enforce provisions under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023. This federal law bans all forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of electronic smoking products.
