KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — A vaping advocacy group today urged vape businesses to continue operating after a recent crackdown by authorities, stressing that it is well within their right to do business as long as they avoid selling goods that contain nicotine.

The Malaysian E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) maintained that it is not illegal to sell the electronic gadget, despite the health ministry’s arguments against vaping.

“We ask our members to continue business as usual, do not sell liquid with nicotine. We are not doing anything against the law,” Mevta president Allan Foo told Malay Mail Online when contacted.

Foo said they are open to the ministry’s plan to regulate the nascent industry, especially through licensing, but stressed that the responsibility is on the government to tell the businesses what needs to be done.

“It is good, but what are the guidelines? The members went to the pharmacy yesterday and there are still no guidelines available,” he said.

Earlier today, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya admitted his ministry’s action against the vape sellers may have been ‘drastic’ and chances will be given for them to legalise their business.

However, he declined to elaborate on the details and asked the sellers to hold off their business till the proper announcement by the Director-General, which is expected either today or tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Foo said his advocacy group will continue their pro-vaping campaign and at the same time considering other options to deal with the issue.

“We had advice from this lawyer, we were given options to help smaller traders. But we are not just pursuing legal options, we are keeping every door open,” he added.

Yesterday, Foo was reported as saying that Mevta was considering legal action, among other things, against the Health Ministry over their recent raid.

The health ministry said on Tuesday it will confiscate nicotine content found in e-cigarettes from all traders nationwide, in a move to discourage Malaysians from vaping.

The raids which occurred this week have sparked outrage from both Mevta and vape users such as local celebrity Afdlin Shauki Aksan.