Vape ban may fuel black market, says expert
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said that while the intention behind a ban may be well-meaning, it could lead to greater harm if not supported by strong enforcement, proper regulation and a comprehensive harm-reduction strategy.
"Users may turn to illegal and potentially more dangerous black market products. Many could also revert to tobacco and illicit cigarettes, which are currently cheaper and more accessible," she told the New Straits Times.
"Unless both vaping and tobacco cigarettes are banned simultaneously, the problem will persist. Countries like Thailand, India and Australia have attempted such bans, but experienced a rise in black market activity and a return to cigarette use."
She added that enforcement alone would not be sufficient.
"A harm-reduction approach is more effective in the long run, but it needs strong regulation and consistent policing - which we may currently lack," she said.
Sharifa Ezat said that if consumers were given the choice between safe, regulated vape products and risky black market alternatives, they would likely opt for the former - provided the price remained reasonable.
She also emphasised the need to fully enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), which would require cross-ministerial collaboration.
"The Health Ministry is already handling numerous pressing matters, such as healthcare financing and non-communicable diseases, so other ministries must step in - especially in areas such as public education and the prevention of illegal sales in schools."
She further proposed establishing a central quality-check laboratory to ensure only safe and regulated vape products are sold - potentially even under medical prescription for adult users.
Her remarks follow renewed calls by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, for an immediate nationwide ban on vape sales, citing its harmful effects and the risk of it becoming a gateway to drug abuse among youths.
Several states, including Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan and Penang, have already introduced their own restrictions, but a federal-level policy has yet to be implemented.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya public health expert Professor Dr Victor Hoe expressed support for the Sultan's call, saying a nationwide ban could help curb nicotine addiction and prevent a new wave of health problems among young people.
He said that if implemented by the government, such a move would be a timely response to the increasing normalisation of vaping in the country.
"The public health impact of a nationwide ban would be significant. In the short term, it would reduce accessibility and normalisation of vaping, especially among young adults.
"In the long term, it would help prevent a new wave of nicotine dependence and associated health burdens, including links to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular risks and mental health effects," he told the New Straits Times.
However, Hoe also called for stronger national coordination, criticising the Health Ministry's slow response to the rise in vape use.
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