Friday, 04 Dec 2020 09:03 PM MYTThe Health Ministry said the Malaysian government should impose strict controls on the local vape industry. ― Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Listing the various health risks linked to vaping or e-cigarettes, the ministry said it would not be supporting the industry but would push for tight regulation. The ministry however responded by saying that such a claim on the alleged economic benefits of the vape industry in Malaysia has to be re-evaluated, before pointing out the additional costs that the government may have to bear as a result of the vape industry and activities.
“It is feared that the government’s intentions to generate revenue from taxing electronic cigarettes will not give the returns as hoped for, because it is forced to bear the burden of increase in enforcement operation costs and medical treatment. This can also contribute to the dumping of electronic cigarette and vape liquid in the black market,” it added.Why MOH says vaping is bad for health
The ministry said the other negative effects as shown through scientific evidence are the failure in the use of e-cigarettes for the purpose of quitting smoking, increase in dual users or smokers who use both conventional and electronic cigarettes, as well as increase in usage among youths. Even for vape liquids that do not contain nicotine, the ministry said it also needs to be controlled under new laws being drafted and studied by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, due to potentially toxic situations and adverse effects to health as a result of such vape liquids.