Discussion on Proposed Ban of E-Cigarettes in Malaysia Meeting

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.19.2024
Discussion on Proposed Ban of E-Cigarettes in Malaysia Meeting
Malaysia Health Ministry and e-cigarette industry stakeholders discuss proposed ban on e-cigarette sales, citing concerns of local industry impact.

According to a report from Sinar Harian on March 18, the Malaysian Ministry of Health and stakeholders in the e-cigarette industry held a discussion to talk about the proposal to ban the sale of e-cigarettes. Mohamad Neezam Talib, the president of the Malaysian E-cigarette and Tobacco Alternatives Association (MEVTA), stated that the meeting was incredibly important and served as a platform for various parties to express their views on the proposal.

 

The chairman stated that the ban proposed by the Ministry of Health on regulating e-cigarette flavors, designs, and standardized packaging is overly stringent and could potentially stifle the local e-cigarette industry.

 

The Ministry of Health will ban the display of e-cigarette products in stores and prohibit the sale of locally produced e-liquids. We oppose these proposals as they will impact many local entrepreneurs and workers in the industry.

 

In a statement issued on Monday, he said, "To date, we have not been invited to discuss the proposed ban on flavor control, standardized packaging, and the ban on displaying products or selling e-liquids in stores."

 

This joint statement involves the Malaysian Electronic Vaporizers & Tobacco Alternative Association (MEVTA), the Malaysian Vape Entrepreneurs Association (PPVM), and the Malaysian E-Liquid Manufacturers Association (MEBA).

 

PPVM President Sabri Ismail has proposed that the Ministry of Health introduce e-cigarette regulations that are separate from tobacco products in order to find a balance in formulating product rules. In addition, MEBA President Zack Ariffin stated that banning the sale of e-cigarettes could potentially bankrupt many local businesses. "This ban would only benefit foreign companies and imported products, the government should take into consideration the local industry when formulating policies."

 

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