KUCHING: The Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA) has expressed its disappointment with the government’s move to ban e-cigarettes, together with tobacco and other products.
MVA president Khairil Azizi Khairuddin said it was wrong for the government to categorise vape with traditional cigarettes as there was enough scientific evidence to show that these products are completely different.
“Independent evidence globally proves that while vaping has risks, those risks are significantly less compared to smoking.
“Vape has also successfully aided many smokers in smoking cessation. It is disappointing to see government continuing to ignore the science and evidence,” he said today .
Khairil also pointed out that the government was taking away the rights of vapers who have chosen to use products that are proven to be less harmful and worse, forcing vapers to turn to unregulated products.
“This is wrong and MVA calls on the government to review this decision again.”
According to a news report, the Ministry of Health is expected to table the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill in the next session of the Dewan Rakyat starting July 18.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin previously said that the tabling of the bill was the best move to ultimately ban access to tobacco and nicotine by Malaysian youth and future generations.
Khairy also noted that the country had for too long had no comprehensive law regulating tobacco and smoking, including electronic cigarettes.
He noted that if the bill was approved, Malaysia would be the first country in the world to approve the generational law, which aims toward a tobacco-free generation and the ban on selling cigarettes to individuals born after 2005.
He added that the bill would give MoH the power to control the electronic cigarette industry which has become more widespread and uncontrolled in recent years when the market is seen to be open to teenagers and children.
