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Malaysia Reminded The Importance of Sensible Vape Laws to Reduce Tobacco Harm

The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBTVA), highlighted the positive impact that sensible vape regulations have on tobacco harm reduction.

Diane Caruana

March 4, 2022

Report findings indicate that the vape sector is a viable and growing industry in Malaysia, and that it has facilitated the growth of local entrepreneurs.

Data from a 2021 survey, has indicated that 80% of Malaysians are in favour of having the local vape industry regulated by authorities. Earlier in the year, the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) had called onto the Malaysian government to set in place appropriate regulations on nicotine-containing e-liquids. He said that amongst other things, this move would have a positive effect on the local economy by creating more jobs and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

“The findings show that there are more than 3,300 businesses related directly to the vape industry, with a workforce of more than 15,000 workers,” said the MVCC on launching its Malaysian Vaping Industry report.

MVCC president Syed Azaudin Syed Ahmad, said that the report findings show that the sector is a viable and growing industry in Malaysia, and that it has facilitated the growth of local entrepreneurs. “In addition, the Malaysian vape industry currently has an established ecosystem comprising manufacturers, importers and retailers, and a growing distribution and logistics network,” he said.

Malaysian Insights & Perspectives on Vape

The 2021 survey titled “Malaysian Insights & Perspectives on Vape,” is also in favour of the industry being regulated. Commissioned by the Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA), the compiled responses indicated that 76% of the respondents agree that vape regulations would be beneficial to the local economy.

Speaking at a recent virtual UK ECig Summit, IBVTA chairman Marcus Saxton highlighted the positive impact that such regulations would have on public health. “We are all extremely proud of the role that the UK vaping industry has played in tobacco control. Our collective goal must be and is about harm reduction. It is very easy and emotive to move towards prohibition, but actually, the key is about finding the ‘sweet spot’ on some of these really important regulatory areas if we are going to maintain the trajectory and positive momentum that we currently have.”

He cited the latest UK Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) survey, where nearly two-thirds, or 64.6%, of current vapers, are adult ex-smokers and not teen vapers as commonly assumed and reported. “Based on the ASH survey, it was found that only 0.5 per cent of those aged between 11-18 in 2021, who have never smoked, are using vape. This shows that we are in a really good and well-controlled environment. The debate, therefore, is about making vaping attractive to adult smokers,” he said.

Read Further: New Straits Times