Vape industry leaders in Malaysia have recently committed to “self-regulating” their products following a stakeholder meeting with Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni. This move is in response to concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks.
Adzwan Ab Manas, chairman and director of Vapempire Distribution Sdn Bhd, shared an update on the meeting on Facebook. However, the extent to which the industry will self-regulate remains unclear, especially since vape shops in Malaysia are selling some products with up to 5% nicotine content without any warning labels or information regarding the nicotine content on the packaging.
Countries like Canada have put in place regulations that limit the maximum nicotine concentration allowed for vaping products to 20mg/mL or 2%, and the European Union and the United Kingdom have also restricted e-cigarette liquids used in vaping devices to a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml or 2%. In contrast, prior to the regulation, Canada allowed for a maximum nicotine concentration of 66 mg/mL or more than 6%.
In this article, we will discuss the Malaysian vape industry’s recent pledge to self-regulate, current regulations in other countries, and the potential impact of self-regulation on public health.
Concerns about Vaping Products in Malaysia
Malaysia has been grappling with a rise in vaping among teenagers, with the Health Ministry reporting that 43.9% of e-cigarette users in the country are between the ages of 18 and 24. The government’s decision to declassify liquid and gel nicotine used in e-cigarettes and vape from the Poisons Act 1952 has raised concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks.
Public health experts, groups, and advocates have expressed shock and concern following Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s decision to override the Poisons Board’s unanimous rejection of a government proposal to declassify liquid nicotine as a controlled substance. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) rector Prof Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, a pharmacist and one of the country’s most respected toxicologists, criticised the move as “undemocratic” and “unethical,” calling it a “betrayal” of public health.
Separately, Suhakam Children’s Commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki, a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya’s law faculty with over three decades’ experience in human rights and child law, described the declassification of liquid nicotine as a scheduled poison - legally allowing minors access to e-cigarettes with nicotine - goes against the “spirit” of the Child Act 2001.
The Vape Industry’s Pledge to Self-Regulate
In response to concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks, the Malaysian vape industry has pledged to self-regulate their products. The industry’s recent meeting with Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni resulted in the pledge, with industry players being reminded not to take advantage of minors and to discipline themselves while earning.
However, self-regulation by the vape industry in Malaysia violates the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), according to pharmacist Fahmi Hassan, who pointed it out on Twitter.
It is still unclear to what extent the vape industry in Malaysia will self-regulate their products, especially with the current sale of some products with up to 5% nicotine content without any warning labels or information regarding the nicotine content on the packaging.
Regulations in Other Countries
Canada’s Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations (NCVPR) limits the maximum nicotine concentration allowed for vaping products manufactured or imported for sale to 20mg/mL or 2%. The regulation also prohibits the packaging and sale of vaping products if the nicotine concentration displayed on the package exceeds 20 mg/mL. Prior to this regulation, Canada allowed for a maximum nicotine concentration of 66 mg/mL or more than 6%.
Regulations in the European Union and the United Kingdom also restrict e-cigarette liquids used in vaping devices to a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml or 2%.
These regulations are in place to protect public health, especially for minors and young adults who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine.
The Potential Impact of Self-Regulation on Public Health
Self-regulation by the vape industry in Malaysia may not be enough to address the concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks. Without proper regulations and enforcement, there is a risk that the industry may continue to sell products that are harmful to public health.
The Malaysian government should consider implementing regulations similar to those in Canada and the European Union to protect public health, especially for minors and young adults who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine.
Conclusion
The pledge by the Malaysian vape industry to self-regulate their products is a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough to address the concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks. Proper regulations and enforcement are necessary to protect public health, especially for minors and young adults who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine.
FAQs
What is the pledge made by the Malaysian vape industry?
The Malaysian vape industry has pledged to self-regulate their products after a stakeholder meeting with Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
What are the concerns about vaping products in Malaysia?
The concerns about vaping products in Malaysia include the rise in vaping among teenagers and the potential health risks of liquid and gel nicotine used in e-cigarettes and vape.
What are the regulations in other countries?
Countries like Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have put in place regulations that limit the maximum nicotine concentration allowed for vaping products to protect public health.
What is the potential impact of self-regulation on public health?
Self-regulation by the vape industry in Malaysia may not be enough to address the concerns about the sale of vaping products to minors and other potential health risks. Proper regulations and enforcement are necessary to protect public health.
What should the Malaysian government consider to protect public health?
The Malaysian government should consider implementing regulations similar to those in Canada and the European Union to protect public health, especially for minors and young adults who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine.