GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to swiftly ban the display of vape products, e-cigarettes, cigarettes and other tobacco-related items at payment counters in shops nationwide.
CAP Education Officer NV Subbarow said this is crucial to protect the youth from taking up smoking and, particularly, vaping.
He added that minors are easy targets for the industry, especially with the wide range of attractive vape products designed with eye-catching colours, designs and various flavours.
"Although existing laws prohibit children from buying or possessing cigarette products, the visual appeal of vape products increases their desire to try it and adds to the risk of them being drawn into the habit without realising the serious health risks.
"The situation is getting worse. If strict control of nicotine and vape products is not implemented immediately, more young people will get caught up in the habit of vaping, leading to an increase in addiction," he said in a statement today.
He added that such enforcement would also curb the normalisation of using these harmful substances.
"The display ban will show the commitment of the government, especially the Health Ministry, in not compromising when it comes to protecting public health.
"It is important for authorities to act decisively and ensure that regulations are implemented more strictly so efforts to combat nicotine addiction and protect the public, especially the young, can be fully achieved."