KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 ― A traders’ group has called out the double standards in the ban on vaping in Malacca and on the sale of vape products in other states, as cigarettes are not prohibited despite a fatwa against them.

Pertubuhan Ikatan Usahawan Kecil dan Sederhana Malaysia (Ikhlas) president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah cited a 1995 religious edict by the National Fatwa Council against cigarettes, which has similarly deemed vaping as “haram” (forbidden).

“If the council had ‘haramkan’ cigarettes then, why did these states not follow suit in banning cigarettes as well?

“Why is it that they ban vapes immediately after the Fatwa edicts so? This tells me that these states are practising double-standards in their rulings,” Mohd Ridzuan told Malay Mail Online recently.

The Malacca state government emerged as the sixth state to ban vape, or electronic cigarettes, in keeping with the religious edict. The state not only bans the sale of vape products, but vaping itself.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron reportedly said the effective date of the prohibition would be announced soon.

Mohd Ridzuan said the ban in Malacca was going to hurt Malay traders, especially those who had moved to the state from Johor to start the vape business.

“If this was going to happen, the state should not have earlier announced of accommodating vape traders,” he said.

Last month, Malacca Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Datuk Ismail Othman said the trading of vape devices and liquids was legal.

He also said the state would continue to issue licenses to entrepreneurs wanting to venture into the industry.

When contacted, a vape trader from Malacca initially refused to believe the state government’s decision.

“I am hoping for the state to change its decision. The sale and usage of vapes can be regulated, Banning vape entirely will force traders to bring their businesses to the underground market,” the trader told Malay Mail Online on condition of anonymity.

Another trader, who declined to be named, said he was fed up with the ruling.

“I am going to close my outlet and just start something else. I am not going to bother taking my business to another state as I am sure other states are going to impose this ban as well,” he said.

Malaysian E-vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (MEVTA) Rizani Zakaria said he was puzzled with the latest ruling by the Malacca state government.

“I am unable to understand as to why these states are imposing the ban when the federal government is yet to make a decision on this matter,” he told Malay Mail Online.

Other states that have imposed the ban on the sale of vape products from January 1 are Kelantan, Penang, Kedah, Johor and Terengganu.

Terengganu and Kelantan, however, announced that it will give traders up to one and six months respectively to wrap up their businesses and to clear their stock before enforcing the ban.