Cambodia Intensify Campaign Against E-Cigarette Use

Police Aim to Educate and Reverse Vaping Trend Despite Lack of Legal Framework

Cambodian authorities have intensified their efforts to curb the use of e-cigarettes throughout the country, with a particular focus on students and youth. Although there are currently no laws that allow for legal action against users or sellers, authorities hope to reverse the vaping trend by raising awareness about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes and educating users about the dangers of their habits.

E-Cigarettes Pose Significant Health Risks, Especially for Young People

General Meas Vyrith, secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), emphasized the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, particularly for young people. He stated, “Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. E-cigarettes contain harmful substances besides nicotine.”

Gen Vyrith acknowledged the lack of specific laws against vaping, which limits the authorities’ ability to take legal action against users or sellers. However, he stressed the importance of education and awareness campaigns to discourage the use of e-cigarettes. “We are now busy trying to curb the use of e-cigarettes and we will be doing more. The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults, in fact, people of all ages. We cannot arrest them and send them to court. We can only advise them and hopefully, they will listen,” he said.

Police Target Schools and Tourist Areas in Anti-Vaping Campaign

Police in various provinces have received reports of students actively using e-cigarettes and are taking steps to address the issue. In Siem Reap, police chief Brigadier General Teng Channath announced plans to educate students in secondary and high schools about the dangers of vaping and to seize e-cigarette devices from students.

Similarly, in Preah Sihanouk province, police chief Major General Chuon Narin reported that police have been taking action against vaping for a month, targeting students, youth, and tourists. “We target students and youths and have been confiscating their devices. We also advise tourists on the dangers of vaping,” Maj Gen Narin said.

Students and Experts Call for Stricter Measures and Education

Despite the Ministry of Education’s ban on smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes, some students report that the ban has had little effect. Hak Nita, a ninth-grader at Samdech Euv Samdech Me High School in Mondulkiri province, said that many of her friends smoke secretly in school and more openly outside school premises. She called for schools to take a stronger stance on disciplining students who smoke.

Ly Ratana, an undergraduate at the University of Health, highlighted the role of peer pressure in driving youth smoking and questioned why tobacco companies are allowed to cooperate with the Ministry of Education and educational institutions in Cambodia.

Dr. Mom Kong, executive director of Cambodia Movement for Health, suggested that increasing taxes on tobacco products could be an effective way to reduce smoking, especially among youth. “If tobacco tax is increased, cigarettes will cost more and fewer people, especially youths, will buy cigarettes,” he said.

NACD Calls for Increased Pressure on E-Cigarette and HTP Sellers

In addition to the campaign against e-cigarette use, the NACD has called on relevant authorities to increase pressure on suppliers and sellers of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP). Gen Vyrith noted that while the distribution and sale of these products have decreased dramatically since the NACD initiated a crackdown, the lack of specific laws remains a challenge.

“If authorities cooperated and showed their commitment to crack down on HTPs with border checks to prevent these products entering Cambodia, maybe in the future people will not have to use e-cigarettes and HTPs anymore,” Gen Vyrith said.

As Cambodian authorities continue their efforts to combat the use of e-cigarettes and HTPs, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach involving education, awareness campaigns, and cooperation among relevant authorities will be crucial in addressing this growing public health concern.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.