LETTERS: There is mounting evidence from scientists and researchers that vaping is an effective cessation tool for cigarette smoking.
In the past, many resorted to nicotine replacement gums and patches to help wean themselves off cigarettes.
While nicorette gum and patches are readily available at pharmacies, vapes are not. We still continue to unfairly demonise vaping products.
This is largely due to easy access to vaping products, including illegal and unregulated ones, including for those under 18, when the law clearly prohibits that.
This has resulted in vaping getting a bad rap, hence preventing it from being used as a tool to kick the smoking addiction.
Vapes, like all tobacco products, are illegal for sale to anyone under the age of 18. Generally speaking, youth prevention policies along with educational programmes, have driven youth smoking rates to the lowest levels in history.
Malaysia has the potential to be a global leader in helping smokers move away from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.
To get there, our health authorities must regulate a functional marketplace that provides alternatives for adult smokers and step up enforcement.
A stringent yet clear approval process for these products is necessary.
Without it, we risk a continued influx of illegal disposable vapes that, ironically, have become the most popular choice among teenagers.
LEE CHONG KIAT
Klang, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times