KUALA LUMPUR: An overwhelming majority of Malaysians say the government should take more action to regulate the vaping industry in Malaysia.
A recent poll conducted by Green Zebras Sdn Bhd (GZSB), a leading market research company in Malaysia, showed 80 per cent of Malaysian want the government to regulate vape industry while 76 per cent agree that the Malaysian economy would benefit from regulations on vaping products.
These revelations came from the Malaysian Insights & Perspectives on Vape survey, a recent opinion poll commissioned by Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA) and carried out by GZSB.
Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy president Rizani Zakaria said the opinion poll shows most Malaysians want regulations on vape products.
"Official reports from Ministry of Health indicate that there are over 1 million vapers in Malaysia and yet there are no regulations in place, leaving consumers no choice but to use unregulated products.
"Recent reports from local industry groups have already confirmed that the vape industry has significant potential to contribute to the Malaysian economy with capabilities to create jobs, develop existing businesses and small and medium enterprises (SME) within the industry, and attract investments.
"This is a fact that cannot be ignored, and the Government must act quickly to introduce regulations on vape products," he said in a statement today.
The poll also saw 87 per cent Malaysians agree that tax should be imposed on vaping products and 74 per cent think that revenue collected from vape products could be spent by the government on areas of importance such as education and economy.
Rizani said the implementation of excise tax on vape products since earlier this year is a step in the right direction towards regulating the industry.
He said many also agree that tax should be imposed on vape products as the revenue collected can be put to good use.
"However, the current excise taxation structure does not include vape e-liquid containing nicotine, which makes up the majority of the local market. This inevitably means that revenue collection will not be maximised, and the implementation of excise duties will be ineffective.
"The government should expand the tax structure to include vape e-liquids containing nicotine and introduce clear regulations for this product.
"That way, the government can maximise revenue collection and at the same time, ensure consumers are using regulated products in Malaysia," Rizani said.
With the objective of understanding Malaysian's perception on vaping, this survey delved into the opinions of the local population on the economic impact of vaping as well as their thoughts on vaping as a method of tobacco harm reduction.
This survey comprised of a sample size of 1,025 Malaysian adults and is reflective of the perception of all Malaysian adults nationwide.
Additional findings from the Malaysian Insights & Perspectives on Vape survey will be released in the coming weeks.