Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups

Sep.20.2024
Suspected Interference in E-Cigarette Regulation by Special Interest Groups
Indonesian MP Mukhamad Misbakhun suspects certain interest groups influencing e-cigarette regulations for potential company benefits.

According to the Indonesian media Liputan6 on September 19, 2024, Mukhamad Misbakhun, a member of the eleventh committee of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, suspects that certain interest groups are interfering with the regulations in the draft Ministerial Regulation on the Safety of Tobacco and E-cigarette Products (RPMK), which could benefit certain e-cigarette companies.


Mr. Misbah pointed out that there is inconsistency between Article 3 and Article 7 of the draft. Article 3, paragraph 1 of the Tobacco Control Regulations stipulates that the scope of application of the Minister of Health's regulations includes standardizing the packaging of tobacco products and e-cigarette products. Paragraph 3 of Article 3 further specifies that e-cigarette products include the following: open or refillable nicotine e-liquid systems; closed or disposable pod systems; and solid forms.


However, the first provision of Article 7 regarding standardized packaging only covers open system or refillable e-cigarette products. The second provision of Article 7 regulates the packaging of closed systems (i.e. pods). Misbah emphasized that solid e-cigarettes have not been further regulated, and he suspects that there may be influence from global tobacco companies requesting the Ministry of Health not to regulate and control solid e-cigarettes, as these products are mainly imported solid products.


Previously, the government regulation issued by the Ministry of Health on 28/2024 had sparked opposition from various parties, including stakeholders in the tobacco industry. Currently, the Ministry of Health is finalizing the RPMK draft, however, this draft is also facing criticism and opposition from various sides.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Penang, Malaysia, pushes forward with anti-smoking bill; 2,647 fines issued as of August
Penang, Malaysia, pushes forward with anti-smoking bill; 2,647 fines issued as of August
Some businesses in Penang, Malaysia have until September 30 to comply with the Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Regulations 2024.
Aug.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia’s Health Minister: Teen Vaping Rates Drop Sharply, Over 10 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in a Year
Australia’s Health Minister: Teen Vaping Rates Drop Sharply, Over 10 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in a Year
Australia’s teen vaping rate dropped to 14.6% following a 2024 ban on disposable e-cigarettes, while authorities seized over 10 million illegal devices in the past year, Health Minister Mark Butler said, citing the success of education and enforcement efforts.
Jul.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alan Zhao, 2Firsts: The Global Tobacco Harm Reduction Community Urgently Needs to “Emancipate the Mind and Seek Truth from Facts”
Alan Zhao, 2Firsts: The Global Tobacco Harm Reduction Community Urgently Needs to “Emancipate the Mind and Seek Truth from Facts”
Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, calls on the global tobacco harm reduction community to “emancipate the mind and seek truth from facts,” rebuild scientific consensus, and drive high-quality development.
Jun.30
Malaysian Health Minister: Vaping Ban to Be Submitted to Cabinet, Act 852 Cuts Product Variety by 60%
Malaysian Health Minister: Vaping Ban to Be Submitted to Cabinet, Act 852 Cuts Product Variety by 60%
Malaysian Health Ministry plans to propose banning e-cigarettes to Cabinet after significant decrease in smoking products post-law enforcement.
Aug.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International: When High Valuation Meets Flawed Performance — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Philip Morris International: When High Valuation Meets Flawed Performance — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
After PMI released its Q2 2025 earnings, a 2Firsts reader submitted an in-depth analysis unpacking key concerns behind the headline numbers. While earnings beat expectations, slowing organic revenue growth, challenges in combustibles and ZYN, and a low margin for error under high valuation have triggered market unease. The next few quarters may prove pivotal for PMI’s growth narrative.
Jul.24
Ireland Health Survey: Youth Vaping on the Rise, 24% Usage Rate Among 18–34 Age Group
Ireland Health Survey: Youth Vaping on the Rise, 24% Usage Rate Among 18–34 Age Group
Ireland’s Central Statistics Office reports that 23.6% of people aged 18–34 use e-cigarettes, while traditional smoking is most prevalent among those aged 45–54 (13.3%). The survey also found only 50.8% of 18–24-year-olds rated their mental health as “very good,” with cannabis use reaching 22%, highlighting significant health risks among younger demographics.
Jul.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai