Malaysia Consumer Group Pushes for Vape Regulation, Not Ban
The Consumer Choice Centre (CCC) Malaysia has voiced deep concern over the Health Ministry’s lack of transparency and its potential move towards a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vaping products. The advocacy group’s alarm follows a closed-door briefing by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Health on July 21, the details of which have not been made public.
“Transparency and accountability are fundamental to policy-making,” stated Tarmizi Anuwar, CCC Malaysia’s country associate. “Policies cannot succeed if they are developed behind closed doors without meaningful stakeholder engagement.”
CCC argues that a total ban would be misguided and ineffective, highlighting three key points. First, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) only came into effect last October, and the government should focus on evaluating and enforcing this existing law before rushing into new prohibitions. Second, they warn that a blanket ban will backfire, citing global experience from South Africa where a five-month tobacco sales ban saw 93% of smokers turn to illicit markets where prices surged by 250%. “Pursuing a blanket ban will only fuel black-market growth, making enforcement harder and denying consumers access to regulated, safer alternatives,” warned Tarmizi.
Third, the move ignores harm reduction principles successfully adopted in countries like the UK, which regulates vaping products as effective tools to help smokers quit. Instead of prohibition, CCC urges the Health Ministry to establish an Implementation Committee on Vape Policy, comprising representatives from federal and state governments, local authorities, NGOs, consumers, and industry stakeholders. “Malaysia should strengthen regulation, not weaken it through prohibition,” Tarmizi concluded. “By enforcing existing laws and embracing evidence-based approaches, we can protect consumers, improve health outcomes and avoid repeating mistakes seen elsewhere.”
- Read more: Malaysian Health Minister: Vape Ban is No Longer an ‘If’
- News source: Consumer advocate CCC seeks MOH’s transparency to implement existing vape regulations, not pushing for ban
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