Malaysian E-Cigarette Industry Rejects "End of Generation" Plan

11 electronic cigarette industry participants in Malaysia have declared their opposition to a proposed "Endgame for Tobacco" plan (GEG) that the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) recommends. This was reported on April 17.

The bill prohibits anyone born after 2007 from using tobacco and electronic cigarette products.

In a joint statement, participants in the electronic cigarette industry argue that the government should not take harsh measures to ban the product, as it is currently widely used. Instead, a more moderate approach should be taken to address the issue.

The joint statement is composed of the following representatives:

Representatives from the Malaysian Electronic Cigarette Device and Liquid Retail Association (MRECA), NSTY Worldwide Sdn Bhd, Vape Empire Distribution Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian Vape Chamber (DPVM), Bangsawan Distribution Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian Malay Electronic Cigarette Traders Association (PPVM), the Malaysian Vaping Industry Advocacy Organization (MVIA), Gadget Union Distribution, The Vape69 Sdn Bhd, VV Venture Sdn Bhd, and the latest welfare organization chairman of Negeri Sembilan met with Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni and other health officials last week to discuss regulation and taxation of electronic cigarettes following the exclusion of nicotine-containing e-liquids from the Poisons Act.

Officials from the Ministry of Health have indicated their stance on the matter, stating that they will continue to enforce the General Environmental Guidelines (GEG) proposed by the former Health Minister, despite facing opposition from various parties.

Industry participants in the e-cigarette sector have rejected the proposal, citing potential impact on the industry and asserting the need for further research before making any decisions.

Related Reading:

The Malaysian Tobacco Control Committee is asking the government to combat nicotine addiction.

The Malaysian electronic cigarette regulation bill will be submitted to parliament in May.

Malaysia's electronic cigarette regulations may see an increase in Vuse market share.

Malaysia imposes a 0.4 Malaysian Ringgit consumption tax per milliliter on e-liquids; manufacturers are required to register before April 30th.

The Malaysian Electronic Cigarette Retailers Association has endorsed the lifting of nicotine control and stated that further research is needed on the Generation End Game (GEG) proposal.

Reference:

Industry players reject proposal to implement GEG's vaping plan.