KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has started a nationwide crackdown by raiding vape stores and confiscating thousands bottles of vape liquid that contain nicotine.
A spokesman from the ministry said the seizures were in accordance to provisions under the Poison Act, which enables enforcement against traders selling vape liquids containing nicotine without valid approval and or licence.
However, the raids has shocked and also angered many as the Cabinet had recently decided not to ban but to educate the public on the harmful effects of vaping besides imposing stringent regulations on the matter.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had subsequently thanked the government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for understanding the issue.
Ismail Sabri had then quoted a report from Britain, which stated that vaping was not banned in the United Kingdom and that smokers were even encouraged to switch to vaping due to the low nicotine content.
Meanwhile, Malaysian E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) president Allan Foo said it was unfair for the ministry to conduct the raids without giving ample time for shop owners to apply for the license.
"The ministry needs to be fair. They may have the power to raid shops or any premises but they must at least give time for us to apply for the licenses.
“Give the stores at least three months for them to apply for licenses before conducting raids," he said when contacted yesterday.
A vape shop owner in Shah Alam, who declined to be identified, said enforcement officers came to his store and seized more than 300 bottles of vape liquid worth about RM2,000.
"They showed up about 3pm and showed a letter claiming the raid is due to the nicotine content in our products.
"They should have given us some times to apply for the license. They can't simply raid and seize the items," he said adding that the ministry should come up with solid solution, pertaining to vape issue.