KUALA LUMPUR: A recent survey by local e-cigarette consumer advocacy group the Malaysian Vaping Association (MVA) has revealed that many e-cigarette users are opposed to a possible ban on their use in retail stores.
Following this investigation, the MVA expressed concerns about key elements of the Regulation of Tobacco Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
The survey, which garnered around 500 responses, aimed to understand consumers’ views on the impending regulation.
The survey found that 71.3% of respondents did not agree with the ban, citing frustration over not being able to view products before buying (39.7%) and difficulties with the checkout process (38.3%).
The survey also found that if a retail ban were enforced, consumers would be more likely to look for illegal alternatives (47.4%) or revert to smoking cigarettes (44.5%).
Only 8.1% said they would stop e-cigarette use completely if faced with such restrictions.
Commenting on the findings, MVA chairman Khairulil Azizi Khairuddin highlighted the potential dangers of steering consumers towards unregulated products.
“Our findings clearly show that banning them from retail stores is not the answer. Restricting consumers’ ability to see and choose genuine products will only push them into the black market, where products of questionable quality and safety are at stake.”
“This is not the direction we want to go, especially since e-cigarettes act as a harm reduction tool for many people who are trying to quit smoking.
“We urge regulators to consider the impact these restrictions will have on consumer behaviour. E-cigarette users have a right to make an informed choice and by banning them from retail stores we are taking away that right.”
“Research shows that consumers want the freedom to browse products and make informed decisions, which is essential to keeping them in a regulated market,” he said.
In addition to these findings, the survey also revealed that the majority of e-cigarette users are former smokers or currently transitioning from cigarettes to e-cigarette products as a harm reduction tool (74.4%).
Most e-cigarette users use nicotine liquids (81.9%) with nicotine strengths below 40 mg (96.5%).
“Bill 852 should prioritize measures to encourage smokers to switch to e-cigarettes. Without strict requirements on e-cigarettes and without distinguishing e-cigarette regulation from tobacco regulation, smokers will continue to smoke or e-cigarette users will be pushed into the illegal market or back to smoking.”
“This will undermine the very harm reduction objectives that e-cigarette products can contribute to reducing smoking prevalence in Malaysia,” he said.
“We urge the Ministry of Health to reconsider the retail ban and work towards regulations that are practical and effective in protecting public health while allowing consumers to access the products safely and legally,” Khalil concluded.
