Harm Reduction Association programme director Samsul Kamal Arifin Mohd Basir said it made no sense for the government to impose an excise duty of 40 sen per ml on the nicotine-free liquid used in e-cigarettes while those with nicotine remain banned.“The amount of duty on the liquid is similar to the tax imposed on a stick of cigarette that contains both tobacco and nicotine.
“We are not saying vaping is good. But a majority of vapers vape with the ultimate objective of quitting smoking. Starting Jan 1, a 10% excise duty will be imposed on devices for all types of e-cigarettes and non-e-cigarettes, including vapes. Malaysian Women’s Action on Tobacco Control and Health president Roslizawati Ali said taxation for the devices and liquids was wrong because there was no law or definition determining whether they contained nicotine or not, adding that the proper way to go was for the products to be totally banned.“The minute you do that, it means anybody can use those devices, and we wouldn’t know whether it is nicotine or non-nicotine .