KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 ― Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob claimed today that restricting the sale of nicotine-laced vape fluids to licensed pharmacists will eventually kill off the local vape trade, which he said is mostly run by young Malay entrepreneurs.

The rural and regional development minister, who has been taking the side of vape traders since the controversy started weeks ago, labelled the new directive by the Health Ministry “appalling” and urged for a better resolution that he said could be “win-win” for both the authorities and traders.

“Again, another appalling announcement by the Health Ministry. And this is after the deputy domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister said vape prices will be adjusted and the Health Ministry announced the formation of a special committee to solve the issue... bringing relief to traders, fluid producers and users because it appeared as though vaping would be permitted.

“But only after just one meeting, the Health Ministry has decided that only pharmacies will be allowed to sell vapes. This means vape traders can no longer be in business because pharmacies are run by big companies, including international ones,” he wrote in a posting on his Facebook page.

In a statement yesterday, the Health Ministry, undeterred by criticism over its raids on e-cigarette or “vaping” outlets, insisted that these traders cannot sell vaping fluids laced with nicotine as long as they are not approved to do so by the Pharmacy Board.

It pointed out that such nicotine-laced liquids must be registered under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulation 1954, Sale of Drugs Act 1952, and can only be supplied by licensed pharmacists and registered medical practitioners.

The sale of such liquids also has to be recorded, the ministry said.

Ismail Sabri said today he hopes the ministry will reconsider its decision, taking into consideration the losses that local vape traders will now have to bear, especially if they are forced to shutter.

“I hope the ministry can hold a discussion with traders in order to find a win-win resolution and at the same time, expedite the introduction of clearer rules to the entire vaping community, from users to traders and vape flavour producers,” he said.

Putrajaya has been sending mixed messages over vaping in recent weeks, with the Health Ministry conducting raids on such outlets even as Ismail Sabri encouraged their expansion.

Ismail had also recently announced the Cabinet decision not to ban vaping as suggested by the Health Ministry, which was followed by a statement from Health Minister Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam announcing action against vape outlets.

Yesterday, the Umno minister said he wants Malaysia's vape trade to become world famous.

The Malaysian E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) has also urged vape outlets to continue operations despite the ongoing enforcement against the industry, insisting that vaping per se was not illegal.

During the weekend, small traders association Ikhlas warned the government that the crackdown on vaping outlets will result in a backlash by voters.