GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Health Ministry to keep to its words on vape sale regulations, especially with more teenagers using the product.
CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow, in welcoming the ministry’s promised on vape sale regulations, said it should be introduced soon.
“We want the Health Ministry to keep to its promise as the situation of vape and e-cigarettes among teens and school children is at a critical stage.
“Vending machines is a new tactic introduced by tobacco industry but there are thousands of shops, street stalls, restaurants, mini markets and five-foot way stalls still selling these items. some legally while most without a licence.
“The ministry should implement the new rules soon and issue total ban on vape and e- cigarettes to save thousands of young people,” he said today.
Subbarow said, according to CAP’s survey, many students purchased vape juice via online.
He said there was no age limit to buy this nicotine juices via online.
“There are also many shops situated near schools and housing areas.
“The Health Ministry should work together with the relevant authorities not to give out licences for new shops to be opened near residential and school areas.
“Anyone who breaks the rules must be charged in court and not issued with compounds,” he added.
Elaborating, Subbarow said due to large number of fruits flavored juices which contained nicotine being sold in the market, the younger generation, particularly young girls, become addicted.
He said a majority of vapers believed them to be fruit flavours.
The Health Ministry recently said that the sale and display of tobacco products, including vapes, through vending machines were prohibited under the law.
In a statement, the ministry said it took note of complaints about a vape vending machine on social media.
It said Section 10 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations for Public Health Act prohibits selling and displaying all tobacco products.
Earlier last week, the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation criticised the sale of vapes through vending machines at a KL mall, describing it as “irresponsible” and a “violation” of public health laws.
Source: NST
