Concerns over Impact of Proposed Tobacco Control Act on E-Cigarettes

According to a report by Malaymail on August 8, the Malaysian Vape Association (MVA) has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the upcoming Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024 (Bill 852) on the e-cigarette community.

The organization stated in a statement today that overly strict regulations may cause former smokers who have switched to e-cigarettes to return to smoking traditional cigarettes.

A survey conducted by the MVA revealed that 73.7% of e-cigarette users were previously cigarette smokers.

The organization warned that treating e-cigarette products the same as traditional cigarettes (such as banning the display of e-cigarette products), could weaken public health efforts to reduce smoking rates.

Khairil Azizi Khairuddin, President of the Malaysian Vaporizers Association (MVA), emphasized the importance of distinguishing between e-cigarettes and traditional smoking in new legislation.

Strict regulations that fail to differentiate between e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, such as banning the display of e-cigarette products, could potentially cause many successful e-cigarette users to revert back to traditional tobacco. This shift not only poses a threat to their health, but also risks reversing the national progress Malaysia has made in reducing smoking rates.

We urge the government to adopt a balanced approach, recognize the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes, and provide a supportive environment for e-cigarette users to keep them away from traditional tobacco.

The organization also pointed out that 80.1% of e-cigarette users are using e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking.

The Malaysian Vape Association (MVA) has called on the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ensure that the final version of Bill 852 includes reasonable regulations that support harm reduction and do not equate e-cigarette products with conventional cigarettes. We believe that informed and balanced regulations can protect public health while ensuring that e-cigarette users do not revert back to smoking.

MVA stated that the organization will continue to advocate for the rights of e-cigarette users and engage in ongoing communication with stakeholders regarding this issue.