The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) is urging the government to reassess their Generation Endgame plan, specifically in regards to the e-cigarette sector. They believe this could help decrease Malaysia's smoking rate.
According to Professor Shahabudin Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Malaysian Society of Harm Reduction (MSHR), an increasing number of smokers are turning to e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking. Professor Ibrahim emphasized that e-cigarettes have immense potential in reducing smoking rates in Malaysia and should not be ignored. The MSHR advises the government to regulate e-cigarettes and ensure that sellers are trained on providing correct nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and e-cigarette usage.
Furthermore, establishing and assembling an independent committee driven by science and evidence to conduct in-depth research on electronic cigarette products would be a wise move. Although electronic cigarettes pose health risks, their use at least reduces harm by 95% compared to traditional, combustible cigarettes. Therefore, the government should heed the advice of independent health experts and make decisions based on science and evidence. This could potentially help reduce the number of smokers.
Shalifa believes that the government should immediately take measures to regulate electronic cigarette products using existing laws, by introducing product standards and banning use by minors in order to protect consumers from harmful ingredients.
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The Malaysian Society of Health and Risk Communication (MSHR) has recommended that the government reassess the current guidance on electronic cigarettes and promote the formation of an independent committee focused on scientific research into vaping.
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