Malaysia is set to introduce a law prohibiting individuals born in 2007 from smoking and using e-cigarettes. However, the e-cigarette industry is currently operating in the country's black market.
Although electronic cigarettes are not regulated, selling e-liquids that contain nicotine is illegal. Advocates define e-cigarettes as a tool to quit smoking. Zachary Oh's company, Vape Empire, has 115 stores in Malaysia, including Borneo. It also produces e-liquids and exports them to Europe, South Korea, Australia, and Japan. Oh said, "We do not claim that electronic cigarettes are 100% healthy products. Compared to smoking, we sell e-cigarettes to reduce harm.
However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), electronic cigarettes are harmful and unsafe for health. A laboratory test conducted by Talking Point found that substances such as lead and formaldehyde were present in the e-cigarette liquid.
The World Health Organization has stated that nicotine is highly addictive and can damage the developing brains of children and teenagers. It further added that the evidence regarding the use of electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool is "uncertain," and it is too early to provide definite answers regarding the long-term effects of using or being exposed to e-cigarettes.
Tell Talking Point host Munah Bagharib that electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular in Malaysia as more convenient products with lower prices and good quality have entered the market. Two years ago, disposable e-cigarettes appeared on the market, making it even simpler for people to use them. "You just need to buy them at the counter and open the packaging to use them," he said.
Sales manager Armand Kaser stated that disposable electronic cigarettes are priced lower than traditional ones and come in various flavors such as grape, mango, lychee, and even caramel pudding.
Malaysia is currently discussing laws to control tobacco and nicotine products in order to combat their harmful effects. The proposed legislation, also known as the "legacy law", aims to ban the sale of cigarettes and e-cigarettes to individuals born after 2007. The bill was introduced in August and is currently being evaluated by a special committee before it is presented to the lower house of parliament.
Malaysia's smoking ban proposal aims to reduce cancer risk, but the legislation is controversial. Many e-cigarette associations oppose including e-cigarette products in the ban and call for regulation of their sales. In a statement in July, the Malaysia E-Vaporizer Consumer Association said that it would provide smokers with "a safe alternative.
Yvette van der Eijk, Assistant Professor at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, is skeptical of electronic cigarette manufacturers and retailers claiming to only target current smokers.
She stated that as more countries move towards the end of tobacco and implement stricter tobacco control measures, this has led to a "very bad business model." She added that tobacco or e-cigarette companies may argue for voluntary regulation in the absence of penalties or enforcement and low compliance.
Dr. Yvette van der Eijk is a public health researcher. She stated that the company will also attempt to influence policies in the industry-focused government departments by sponsoring events, building relationships with influential individuals, or establishing headquarters in different countries to gain "political influence.
Van der Eijk added that at the same time, an increasing number of young people are drawn to the complex product design, marketing, and social media activities of companies.
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