KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 ― Putrajaya should facilitate Malaysia’s growing vape industry instead of imposing restrictions as business has been good for Bumiputera entrepreneurs who form the bulk of those involved in the sales and promotion of e-cigarettes, Perkasa Youth said.
The wing's chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris said that for many Bumiputera Malay traders, the vape industry has proven to be a lucrative venture, even amid the country’s worsening economy.
“I agree,” he told Malay Mail Online when asked if vape has become an alternative business for Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
“And if you look at it, the government has not even done anything to help the younger generation and they feel they are not getting any help from the government,” he added.
Irwan said that the vape industry not only helped create a new source of income for Bumiputera-run businesses, it is also a healthier option for Malaysians who want to quit smoking.
“Vape is a process to quit smoking and is an option for smokers,” he said.
The Perkasa Youth chief also said it was unreasonable for the government to force vape traders to apply for a licence to sell the nicotine-laced fluids used for vaping.
“Even shops which sell cigarettes they don't have special licences, everyone can sell cigarettes,” he added.
The Health Ministry has said it is looking to implement an excise tax on nicotine-based e-cigarettes or “vapes” in the manner that is used to discourage cigarette smoking.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said since the e-cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, these should be subjected to the same laws as tobacco products.
He added that his ministry was already beginning to crack down on shops selling nicotine products without licences.
Dr Subramaniam added that those selling nicotine products must obtain a permit from the Pharmacy Board, as the substance is listed in the Poisons Act (1952).
When asked why the ministry is not allowing vape business owners a chance to meet the regulations, Dr Subramaniam said that would be a subsequent step.
Yesterday, several vape shops in Shah Alam, Subang, Bandar Sunway and Kelana Jaya were forced to shutter after ministry officers raided their premises and confiscated all their nicotine products.
Concerns over vaping exist largely due to their initial positioning as electronic replacements for cigarettes, prompting fears that the former may be as harmful as conventional tobacco use.
While the health risks of smoking are well established, the dangers involved in using e-cigarettes have not been conclusively determined.
The more apparent risk comes from users jury-rigging their own vaporisers using diverse components and without proper research, as seen from incidents involving exploding e-cigarettes.
