Malaysia's Vape Industry "APPEARs" In The Face Of The Strictness Of The Cigarette Law Which Is Starting To Take Effect October 1

JAKARTA - The e-cigarette or vape industry in Malaysia, which has a market value of around US$1 million or Rp15 billion, is preparing to face the impact of the new Law (UU) on smoking.

The Law on Controlling Cigarette Products for Malaysian Public Health will prohibit the sale and purchase of tobacco services, products and substitutes, including vape, for consumers under 18 years of age.

The regulation, which took effect on Tuesday, October 1, received criticism from relevant industry players.

"It's not that we don't agree with the law. We agree that we have to protect children," said the president of the Malaysian Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (Mreca), Adzwan Manas, quoted from the South Morning China Post, Sunday, September 29.

Adzwan considers this new law to be formed by not involving the active participation of vape industry players in Malaysia.

"We were only called up for one industrial engagement session. After that they immediately briefed on the new law. It was as if they said they were going to do what they wanted," said Adzwan.

Business actors' concerns also include limiting the volume of vape liquids, limiting bottles to 15 ml and disposable devices to 3 ml. The policy automatically reduces the current standard.

Adzwan said the new law that regulates the reduction in vape liquid volume is very burdensome. He hopes that its implementation will be carried out in stages for two years.

Furthermore, the new law also orders that vape products not be screened or displayed on supermarket or convenience store shelves.

vape display is only allowed when there is a demand to buy from customers who meet the requirements of legal age.

Adzwan also asked for relief from the orran by encouraging the Malaysian government to allow vape display products in addition to traditional tobacco products in the pajang room near the cashier.

"We've been asking for this law for a long time. We don't want to postpone it, we want it fast, but there needs to be more industrial engagement," he said.

"This industry is owned by us, small and medium industries, so don't squeeze us like this. Give us the opportunity to breathe," continued Adzwan.