Malaysian Electronic Cigarette Groups Advocate for Vaping Industry Future

Jul.15.2022
Malaysian Electronic Cigarette Groups Advocate for Vaping Industry Future
Four electronic cigarette associations in Malaysia urge the government to consider the future of the industry amid proposed regulations.

Four electronic cigarette associations, led by Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas, the president of the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association, will submit a memorandum to a special official at the Prime Minister's Office, urging the government to consider the future of Malaysia's electronic cigarette industry. This is in response to a proposal by the Ministry of Health (MoH).


The Malaysian retail electronic cigarette association (MRECA), the Malaysian vaping and e-cigarette traders association (MVCC), the Malaysian vaping traders association (PPVM), and the Malaysian electronic vaporizer and tobacco alternative association (MEVTA) represent more than 3,000 entrepreneurs and businesses in Malaysia's electronic cigarette industry. The industry currently employs 15,000 workers in manufacturing, distribution, and retail.


The memorandum includes opinions and concerns regarding proposed policies that have not previously been discussed by the Ministry of Health. The president of MRECA stated, "As an association representing local e-cigarette manufacturers, we believe that our perspective is crucial in the development of regulations for this industry, as it involves the future of local stakeholders.


Tobacco and smoking control bill.


The Malaysian Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) has stated that in April of last year, the Parliamentary Special Committee on Health, Science and Innovation (PSSC) was urged to allow local electronic cigarette industry stakeholders to provide input on the proposed Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.


Ab Manas has expressed the need for a more detailed discussion on the forthcoming regulations for e-cigarette products. "So far, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has had very little discussion with the local industry. Our main concern is that the ministry intends to introduce regulations to regulate e-cigarettes similar to tobacco products.


He added that local authorities should differentiate between tobacco products and safer nicotine alternatives. "The government needs to recognize that tobacco and e-cigarette products are different. Clear evidence from around the world shows that the harms of e-cigarette products are significantly lower than tobacco products. This is a fact that the government needs to consider, and the laws for e-cigarette products and tobacco products cannot be the same.


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