Malaysia's E-Cigarette Industry Faces Pressure and Losses

Oct.17.2022
Malaysia's E-Cigarette Industry Faces Pressure and Losses
Malaysian authorities conduct raids on e-cigarette businesses, causing confusion and loss of revenue. Industry supports regulation, not restrictions.

The Secretary of the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC), Rosli, has stated that these actions are meant to put pressure on the industry because it recently disagreed with the Health Ministry's proposal to regulate electronic cigarettes in the same way as traditional cigarettes. Raids and confiscations have affected many small and medium-sized e-cigarette companies in the Klang Valley, resulting in millions of dollars in revenue losses.


The Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) is currently finalizing the proposed Generation End Game (GEG) bill. "The industry supports the government's efforts to establish regulations for the e-cigarette industry, and we welcome PSSC's scrutiny and improvement of the bill," said Rosly.


He added, "Regulation is something that the industry has been waiting for for many years. It just needs improvement, especially with regard to certain important projects for the future of the e-cigarette industry.


Additionally, Rizani Zakaria, the president of the Malaysian Vaping Industry Advocacy (MVIA), has expressed confusion and concern over recent crackdowns by authorities that contradict earlier government announcements, resulting in many suffering losses. "The proposed bill is currently delayed as it requires further refinement and discussion according to the Health Minister's announcement. Therefore, do not plunder or seize from the vaping industry, causing harm to entrepreneurs who may become victims and bear the losses," he said.


According to Rizani, conducting surprise visits on industries willing to accept regulation would only affect that particular industry. "The Ministry of Health should issue regulatory guidelines while waiting for the reintroduction of this bill. This will enable the industry to formulate regulatory guidelines and prepare for the implementation of the legislative process.


This bill disregards science and supports safer nicotine alternatives.


The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) has recently opposed proposed restrictions on electronic cigarettes, stating that they will hinder efforts to reduce tobacco harm.


The FPMPAM has stated that the proposed bill ignores overwhelming scientific evidence and supports the benefits of safer nicotine alternatives in reducing harm caused by tobacco. The group has also referenced the advice of the Royal College of Physicians in the UK, which has long recommended the use of these products for quitting smoking and/or reducing harm.


The medical association has criticized the government's proposal to ban the promotion of electronic cigarettes or vaping as a harm-reduction alternative to smoking. Dr. Stephen Chow, the president of FPMPAM, stated in a recent declaration that "the bill appears to completely ignore the overwhelming scientific data that THR can work within an appropriate regulatory framework.


In fact, a recent report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) reiterated that electronic cigarettes seem to be effective as a smoking cessation tool for smokers. "It is necessary to develop regulations to reduce the direct and indirect adverse effects of electronic cigarette use, but these regulations should not significantly inhibit smokers from developing and using harm reduction products.


Statement:


This article is compiled based on third-party information and is intended for industry communication and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's contents. The compilation of this article is solely for industry communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in our translation ability, this article may not convey the same meaning as the original. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


When it comes to domestic issues, matters concerning Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign affairs, 2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Illegal US E-cigarettes Smuggled into UK Targeting Children
Illegal US E-cigarettes Smuggled into UK Targeting Children
Illegally imported US e-cigarettes aimed at children are thought to be linked to organised crime, according to officials. Over 1,000 illegal e-cigarettes have been seized across the UK, including some with nicotine concentrations and volumes twice the legal limits, raising concerns about their targeting of children. Research suggests the number of teenage e-cigarette users is increasing, leading officials to call for a crackdown on the sale of the products to those aged under 18.
Aug.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 12,000 students caught vaping in Malaysian schools, says Malaysian Ministry of Education
Over 12,000 students caught vaping in Malaysian schools, says Malaysian Ministry of Education
Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Education stated that over 12,000 students have been caught using e-cigarettes on school grounds this year. Despite a slight decline in usage rates, the Ministry of Education continues to urge the public and retailers to work together to prevent underage smoking.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul Labs Agrees to Pay $440 Million in Settlement
Juul Labs Agrees to Pay $440 Million in Settlement
Juul Labs will pay nearly $440m to settle an investigation into its marketing of high-nicotine e-cigarettes.
Sep.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New York City Council Proposes to Ban Unauthorized Marijuana Stores
New York City Council Proposes to Ban Unauthorized Marijuana Stores
NYC Council proposes two bills to crack down on illegal marijuana shops, including those selling nicotine e-cigarettes with chemicals.
Regulations
Sep.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Egypt's Eastern Company Signs Three-Year Cigarette Production Contract with JTI
Egypt's Eastern Company Signs Three-Year Cigarette Production Contract with JTI
Eastern Company in Egypt signed a three-year cigarette production contract with JTI to increase local investment and support the economy.
Oct.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Zyn Faces Shortages and Subpoenas, Chinese Brands Swiftly Fill Market Gap
Zyn Faces Shortages and Subpoenas, Chinese Brands Swiftly Fill Market Gap
Supply shortages and legal troubles force PMI's Zyn nicotine pouch brand to halt online sales in the US, attracting new competitors.
Market
Jul.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai