Key Points
- Bias concerns: MRECA says the PSSC report on vaping was prepared without industry consultation and risks shaping a biased public perception.
- Demand for due process: The association urges the PSSC to review and verify allegations with independent evidence and hold stakeholder consultation sessions.
- Regulation stance: MRECA supports clear, firm, and balanced rules—including age restrictions, product standards, and safety measures—but opposes a blanket ban.
- Industry inclusion: MRECA argues the sector should be treated as part of the solution, not the problem, to align outcomes with public health objectives.
2Firsts, Sep 10, 2025 — From thesun's report, The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) has called for an inclusive and evidence-based process to shape the nation’s vaping regulations, rejecting a Health Parliament Special Select Committee (PSSC) report that recommends a blanket ban on e-cigarettes.
MRECA President Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas said the report appears to have been produced without input from manufacturers, importers, distributors, consumers, or independent experts. “The voices of these groups should be considered to ensure that the recommendations truly reflect the realities on the ground,” he said, adding that accusations were made against the industry without providing an opportunity for clarification or rebuttal.
Adzwan emphasized that every allegation must be thoroughly reviewed and verified, warning that accepting claims without solid evidence risks bias and undermines the report’s credibility. He stressed that the industry is not opposed to regulation. “In fact, we support clear, firm, and balanced regulations, including age restrictions, product standards, and consumer safety measures,” he said. “What we stress is the need for a transparent and inclusive process, where all voices are taken into account and recommendations are truly based on facts and scientific evidence.”
MRECA is urging the Health PSSC to convene consultation sessions so stakeholders can provide context, data, and technical input. The association contends that such engagement is critical to ensure future recommendations are unbiased and aligned with public health objectives.
“We also call for every allegation made against the industry to be reviewed and verified using independent data and scientific evidence, not perceptions,” Adzwan said. “Only then can the recommendations be considered valid and credible. Without a fair and comprehensive process, this proposed blanket ban will be seen as unfairly punishing the vape industry as a whole.”
MRECA concluded that rational and responsible policy decisions can only be achieved if all parties are heard, and if the industry is recognized as part of the solution in reducing harm and protecting consumers.
