Impacts of Proposed Tobacco Control Act on Malaysian E-cigarette Industry

According to a report by Focusmalaysia on October 5th, the proposed Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023 (GEG Act) is expected to be submitted to the lower house next week. This legislation could potentially seriously harm Malaysia's e-cigarette industry, which is dominated by Malays.

Ridhwan Rosli, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Vaping and E-cigarette Association (MVCC), has stated, "If this bill is implemented, it will undermine the e-cigarette industry, which currently contributes to the economy of our country by the Malay community."

A recent statement from RudeOne highlights the findings of the MVCC research, which reveals that the e-cigarette industry in Malaysia is predominantly controlled by Malays. The study also uncovers that by the end of 2022, there will be thousands of local Malay entrepreneurs and workforce in Malaysia.

Furthermore, he pointed out that implementing the GEG legislation under the current circumstances may hinder the hard work put in by local entrepreneurs in the e-cigarette industry.

He emphasized that the measures taken by the GEG bill are too hasty and implementing the prohibition of existing products in the market will be difficult, and will only trigger new problems.

He also warned that if the GEG bill is implemented, it will gradually stifle the domestic e-cigarette industry. Furthermore, it will not only affect the e-cigarette industry on a larger scale but also have implications for the country's economic situation in terms of tax revenue and manpower. Additionally, it will also impact related industries.

He emphasized that now is not the correct time to implement such "drastic measures" as the economy is still unstable. He further added that the desire to reduce smoking rates is about to reach a dead end, as cigarettes can still be easily obtained despite their low prices.

He urged, saying, "Entrepreneurs should be provided with opportunities and room for growth, and the e-cigarette industry should be encouraged and recognized as one that contributes to the national economy."

Ruidewen points out that what the industry currently needs is appropriate regulation, rather than the GEG Bill, and it is necessary to establish suitable regulations at every stage from production to packaging and sales.

According to the GEG Act, children born in 2007 or later will still be prohibited from smoking, purchasing, or possessing any kind of tobacco products, including e-cigarette products, even after they turn 18 years old.