KUALA LUMPUR: An association representing e-cigarette users today repeated its calls for the government to leave out vape products in the proposed tobacco generational endgame (GEG) law.
The calls by the Vape Consumer Association of Malaysia (VCAM) came on the heels of the Health Ministry's decision to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act 1952next month.
VCAM president Tengku Aslahuddin Ja'afar Tengku Azlan said the government should emulate New Zealand, where vape products were being used as a tobacco harm reduction tool.
"The New Zealand government made headlines last year when it had embarked on a 'Quit Smoking' campaign to combat tobacco related illnesses in the country and uses vape as an alternative to encourage adult smokers to switch from cigarettes to vape.
"When trying to consider harm reduction for vape products, the (Malaysian) government should consider re-categorising vaping products separately from cigarettes and other tobacco products.
"Harm reduction must be based on sufficient scientific data, especially when there are multiple independent studies from local and international research showing that vape has been proven to be less harmful than smoking (conventional cigarettes) and is effective in helping smokers kick the habit," he said in a statement.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said yesterday the bill would be tabled to ensure comprehensive control over nicotine-laced products.
She added that the ministry conducted an engagement session with all stakeholders including parlimentarians and non-governmental organisations as well as professional bodies, on the policies which have been placed under the new bill that included GEG provisions.
Tengku Aslahuddin, however, insisted that the government carry out more discussions and in-depth studies on the GEG provision.
"This is to avoid communicating the wrong objective, given the fact that GEG treats vape products in the same way as cigarettes and tobacco. This will deter smokers from switching to vaping as it will be difficult for consumers to access.
"VCAM suggests that the government establish an independent committee that is driven by science and evidence for recommendations on vape products before drafting and finalising the regulations," he said.
On the delisting of vape products from the Poisons Act, Tengku Aslahuddin said such a move warrants proper regulation and taxation of vaping products.
"While this is a move in the right direction, the government is urged to follow through with proper regulations to take lead over this multi-billion ringgit industry," he said.