Concerns Raised Over E-Cigarette Regulation in Malaysia After Survey Results

On August 30th, according to a report by the New Strait Times, the Malaysian Vapers Association (MVA) has urged the Ministry of Health and the government to regulate the e-cigarette industry without implementing the "Generation Endgame" (GEG) policy, following their interaction with approximately 5000 adult e-cigarette users. The survey revealed that 26.4% of individuals preferred disposable e-cigarettes, while 47.8% of users preferred open or closed system devices.

The Malaysian Vaping Association (MVA) conducted an on-site investigation across Malaysia to gather insights on the behavior and consumption patterns of e-cigarette users in the country. The survey collected a total of 708 responses and covered various locations including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Malacca.

The president of the Malaysian Vaping Association (MVA), Khairil Azizi Khairuddin, has stated that based on current feedback, it is apparent that e-cigarette users in Malaysia desire regulation, but they are concerned about the potential long-term negative consequences of the Government Events Group (GEG).

This has been further confirmed by our investigation, as the results reveal that 96.6% of the respondents disagree with GEG.

Furthermore, 84% of those surveyed expressed their support for e-cigarette regulation policies that differ from those governing traditional cigarettes. Additionally, 75.8% confirmed their understanding of the concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), which aims to reduce the harm caused by tobacco products.

Therefore, equating e-cigarettes with traditional cigarettes, as GEG has done, will deter smokers from transitioning to e-cigarettes and result in many individuals continuing to smoke.

Kerry emphasized the need for tailored regulation to ensure consumer safety and promote responsible adoption, while recognizing the relative advantages of e-cigarettes in reducing smoking hazards.

Investigation reveals that 73.7% of e-cigarette users are former smokers, with 80.1% of them switching to e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking.

A survey revealed that 85.8% of respondents believe that education on reducing tobacco harm should be provided to smokers. Additionally, 47.8% of users prefer open or refillable systems, while 26.4% show a preference for disposable e-cigarettes. Furthermore, 25.8% of individuals expressed their willingness to switch to different products.

In addition, users who purchase disposable e-cigarettes prefer e-liquid with a capacity of over 10 milliliters (over 5000 puffs) (29.9%), as well as e-liquid with a capacity between 2-4 milliliters (600-1200 puffs) (38.2%).

Kairiel further added:

A highly concerning finding is that 66.9% of e-cigarette users will switch to unregulated products if regulations do not align with their consumer habits.

Kerry believes that regulation must be comprehensive and aligned with consumer behavior. For instance, when implementing regulation, it should encompass new innovations such as disposable e-cigarettes.

In addition to understanding the consumption patterns of e-cigarette users, the on-site investigation by MVA aims to correct common misconceptions about e-cigarettes.