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The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Vape players reject ban, call it flawed
KUALA LUMPUR: A coalition of vape associations has strongly opposed the government's move to ban vape sales, warning that such a move would harm adult consumers and drive them toward the unregulated black market. They also argue that prohibition is not a practical solution to misuse and would instead worsen the situation by encouraging the use of unsafe, unregulated products that are easily accessible to minors. Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli said history has shown that consumers, when denied access to legal vape products, will turn to the black market in search of alternatives, exposing themselves to unregulated and potentially dangerous products. 'Let us be clear: it is not the legal industry that is responsible for any misuse of vape products. 'It is the illegal and unregulated market that continues to operate outside the scope of Act 852. 'Banning legal sales would unfairly penalise responsible businesses that are complying with government regulations and working to support harm reduction efforts in Malaysia,' he said in a statement. Ridhwan said, based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, despite nicotine vape being prohibited in Malaysia at the time, 4.9% of the population or approximately 1.1 million people, were using unregulated vape products. 'Even in states such as Johor and Kelantan, where the sale of products has been banned since 2015, usage remains high, with more than 150,000 users reported in Johor and over 30,000 users in Kelantan,' he said. Similarly, in Singapore, where a full ban on vape use is in place, findings from a survey conducted by Milieu Insight between Q3'21 and Q4'23 revealed that vape usage increased from 3.9% to 5.2% of the population. 'These examples demonstrate that prohibition does not work. The vape industry is a significant part of the local economy, valued at RM3.48 billion in 2023. 'It supports approximately 7,500 general retail shops, 2,500 specialty vape outlets, and employs over 31,500 Malaysians as of 2022, many of whom are Bumiputera entrepreneurs. On July 28, the Health Ministry stated that it is working towards a full ban on the sale of vape and e-cigarette products, as reported in the Dewan Rakyat. This followed the authorities' findings that the smoking products are being abused for the consumption of illegal drugs. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is evaluating the effectiveness of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) first. 'Up to June this year, from 58 investigation papers opened (by the police), 70% of the vape products – either the open or closed system – were found positive for illegal substances,' he said. Malaysia at the Consumer Choice Centre (CCC) country associate Tarmizi Anuwar said a ban will not eliminate demand, it will just eliminate safe access. He said Malaysians use vape as a less harmful alternative to smoking. 'Taking away this option won't protect them, it will put them at risk.' Tarmizi said instead of supporting adult smokers in switching to less harmful alternatives, a ban would force many to either return to cigarettes or turn to illegal sources where product safety, labelling, and age controls are non-existent. He further said that this concern is not hypothetical. A 2021 global meta-analysis found that former smokers who used vape were up to twice as likely to relapse into cigarette smoking. 'The study concluded that without proper access to less harmful alternatives, nicotine dependence could resurface, driving people back to the most harmful form: combustible tobacco. 'Prohibition has never been a successful public health strategy. What adult consumers need are clear rules, product standards, and responsible retail access, not policies that drive everything underground,' he said. From a consumer perspective, CCC also warned of rising stigma around vaping, noting that many adult users already face confusion and judgment due to poor public understanding of the role vape plays in harm reduction. 'Consumers are being left out of the conversation. They are treated as if they're part of the problem when, in fact, many are making informed choices to reduce harm. Public health policy should support those efforts, not punish them,' Tarmizi said. Ridhwan said MVCC have noted the formation of the government's expert committee to study vaping policy and welcomes the call for a comprehensive review of industrial, regulatory, economic and licensing aspects. However, he said, for this process to be truly effective, the legal vape industry must be included in these discussions, alongside addiction and harm reduction experts. Excluding key stakeholders will only lead to policies that fail to address the root causes of misuse and hinder public health goals, he said. 'We urge the government to engage directly with the legal industry to develop practical and effective solutions to prevent misuse. 'Enforcement, not prohibition, is key. A collaborative approach will enable us to strengthen regulations, enhance compliance, and safeguard public health without harming a legitimate and growing sector of the economy,' Ridhwan said. In expressing deep concern over the reported consideration of a nationwide ban on vape product sales, the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) urges the government to recognise that banning legal sales will not solve misuse but will dismantle the regulated retail ecosystem and create space for illegal, uncontrolled trade to flourish. MRECA president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas said many of its members have invested in compliance and training under Act 852. He said shutting them down without addressing misuse would harm thousands of entrepreneurs and workers. 'MRECA supports regulation – not prohibition – and stresses that misuse stems from poor enforcement and illegal sellers, not licensed retailers. The government must focus on stricter enforcement, online monitoring, and tougher action against unlicensed operators,' Adzwan said. MRECA urge the government to engage directly with the legal industry to develop practical and effective solutions to prevent misuse. 'Only through stronger enforcement and stakeholder collaboration can we build a regulated market that protects consumers and curbs misuse, without destroying the livelihoods of thousands of retailers. 'A collaborative approach will allow us to strengthen regulations, improve compliance, and protect public health without dismantling a legitimate and growing sector of the economy,' Adzwan said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Vape groups push for strict regulation, say ban will fuel black market
The vape industry has urged the government to regulate, not ban, vape products, saying prohibition will only push users to the black market and punish legitimate businesses that comply with the law. The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) and Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) said enforcement and proper regulation under existing laws would be more effective in tackling product misuse and protecting public health. MVCC secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli said banning vape products would drive consumers toward unregulated and potentially dangerous alternatives. "Prohibition has never been an effective solution in tackling misuse. "History has shown that when consumers are denied access to legal vape products, they turn to the black market and risk exposure to unregulated, unsafe substances." Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat the government was considering a full ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products. Ridhwan said the root of the problem was the illegal and unregulated market, not the licensed industry. "Banning legal sales would unfairly penalise responsible businesses that are complying with government regulations and supporting harm reduction efforts." He cited the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 data which showed that 4.9 per cent of Malaysians, or 1.1 million people, were using unregulated vape products, even when nicotine-based vapes were prohibited. "In Johor and Kelantan, where sales have been banned since 2015, usage remains high, with over 150,000 users in Johor and more than 30,000 in Kelantan. "Even in Singapore, where a full ban is in place, vape use increased from 3.9 per cent to 5.2 per cent between 2021 and 2023, according to a Milieu Insight survey. "These examples show that prohibition does not work." He said the vape industry contributed significantly to the economy, valued at RM3.48 billion in 2023, with more than 31,500 employees and 10,000 retail outlets, many owned by Bumiputera entrepreneurs. "We welcome the formation of the expert committee to study vaping policy, but the legal industry must be included in the discussions, alongside addiction and harm reduction experts. "Excluding key stakeholders will only result in policies that miss the root causes of misuse." Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas questioned the Health Ministry's delay in approving vape products, despite companies complying with licensing and documentation rules. "We already have the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. Use it to regulate strictly, not bypass it with a blanket ban." He said the lack of enforcement and transparency was pushing consumers to the black market. "We're ready to help enforce, monitor and clean up the market. But the government must act transparently and professionally, not punish those who comply." Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that a total vape ban could backfire if not accompanied by robust enforcement and public education. She said other countries had taken varying approaches to regulating vape. "For example, the United Kingdom allows vape products under proper regulation, although it also permits the use of substances like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The same applies to the United States. "In contrast, Thailand has banned vape, but continues to allow cigarette use due to its investments in the tobacco industry. "Vape is seen as a competitor, so it is not allowed, even though users still obtain products through illicit means." She said the Philippines, on the other hand, had implemented regulations to allow vape use. "Their Health Ministry encourages smokers to quit by switching to vape under proper regulations." Sharifa said another option that could be considered was the Australian model, where vaping is prescribed as a medical intervention. "It has its pros and cons, but at least the option is there for smokers who want to quit."
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
1 in 4 Malaysians at Risk: Alpro Pharmacy Leads National Movement to Reverse Prediabetes
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 May 2025 - With one in four Malaysian adults unknowingly living with prediabetes, the country is facing a silent but escalating health crisis. Research shows that one in ten individuals with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within a year, and up to 70% will progress within a decade if no action is taken (Sources: National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019; International Diabetes Federation). In response to this urgent need, Alpro Pharmacy has launched the ASAP Programme (Alpro Stand Against Prediabetes) a nationwide health campaign that began in April 2025. This initiative is designed to raise early awareness, promote timely screening, and provide accessible, professional care to help Malaysians reverse prediabetes before it becomes a lifelong condition. As part of this commitment, Alpro is offering 10,000 free HbA1c tests to high-risk individuals across more than 300 Alpro touchpoints nationwide, from April through June 2025. With a focus on those with a family history of diabetes and those at higher risk due to age or weight, the ASAP Programme empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards better health. Through early detection and pharmacist-led counseling, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle modifications, participants can potentially reverse their condition. Beyond individual action, the programme also reinforces the vital role that primary care providers—including community pharmacists, community nutritionists and dietitians, and general practitioners—play in delivering preventive healthcare directly to the public. By bringing early intervention into the heart of the community, the programme ensures that help is accessible, timely, and coordinated. This national effort is made possible through a strong multidisciplinary collaboration between Alpro Pharmacy, Merck Sdn. Bhd., University of Malaya, Yuwell Malaysia, Ethos Healthcare, and Powerlife Malaysia. United by a shared vision for preventive healthcare, these partners bring together medical innovation, digital health tools, academic research, and nutritional science to combat one of Malaysia's most pressing chronic health challenges. 'Prediabetes is not a life sentence—it's a second chance,' said Ph. Lim En Ni, Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Pharmacy. 'Through the ASAP Programme, we're reaching people before diabetes does—offering them the tests, intervention, and ongoing support they need to make lasting changes. Our aim is to stop diabetes before it starts.' For Merck Sdn. Bhd., the programme aligns with its commitment to early intervention in chronic disease.'The ASAP Programme puts prevention into action—on the ground, led by pharmacists,' said Ms. Pixie Yee, Managing Director of Merck Malaysia and General Manager of Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore. 'It's meaningful because it reaches people before complications begin. As healthcare leaders, we must shift the focus from delayed treatment to early empowerment.' A core component of the campaign is a research collaboration with the University of Malaya to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions in identifying and managing prediabetes. The study explores how HbA1c screening, paired with pharmacological and lifestyle guidance, can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Findings are expected to help shape future national healthcare strategies and support the standardisation of pharmacy-based chronic disease prevention in Malaysia. 'This campaign is more than awareness—it's a chance to validate the impact of pharmacists in chronic disease prevention,' said Professor Dr. Hasniza, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Malaya. The ASAP Programme aims to amplify a clear and urgent public health message: prediabetes is reversible, early action matters, and no one should wait for symptoms before seeking help. With professional support and free screening made easily available across the country, this campaign proves that diabetes can be stopped—before it starts. Malaysians are encouraged to participate by visiting any Alpro Pharmacy outlet during the campaign period. For full campaign details, eligibility information, and outlet locations, please visit: Let's act ASAP — because the best way to fight diabetes is to stop it before it starts.
