As vaping gains popularity, group calls for regulation

The vape industry in Malaysia is allegedly the second largest after the United States. Many specialist shops are now offering devices and flavours. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, October 11, 2015.

As vaping gains popularity, the Malaysian E-Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) is concerned over uncontrolled sale and use of electronic cigarettes.

It is keen to work with the authorities to regulate and study the long-term effects of the alternative to smoking tobacco.

Its vice-president, Rizani Zakaria, said the association understood the need to regulate the industry in Malaysia, which some have claimed is the second largest after the United States.

With the fast growing number of Vape users in the country, the multi-million ringgit industry is booming. There are new concerns that minors have also joined the craze.

With so many players involved as importers, buyers, brewers and retailers, there is no proper way to determine the authenticity and safety of the e-cigarette devices and the vape liquids.

Rizani told The Malaysian Insider that the association has established relationship with researchers from institutions of higher learning, such as Universiti Malaya, to study the risks of vaping.

Within six months of its inception in March 2014, Mevta had also sent two letters to the Health Ministry to discuss issues surrounding the government’s intention to regulate the industry, he added.

“Vaping is not a trend. It should not be made as such. It is not a fashion.

“Essentially, vaping is an alternative for smokers who do not like the tobacco smell or those who are looking for ways to quit smoking,” said Rizani.

“This is a business dedicated to those who aim to quit smoking, not a business like selling cigarettes over the counter.”

Mevta’s goal is to act as a mediator between vape users and the government.

Mevta, he added, now has between 4,000 and 5,000 members. 

“With an association like Mevta, at least we have a channel to bring our voices forward to the government.

“We want the industry to be regulated, (for) existing businesses to obtain licences (and to do) business the right and proper way.”

Rizani said with the letters sent, Mevta hoped to meet and discuss the issue further with the authorities as early as January.

Malaysian E-Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) vice-president, Rizani Zakaria says its members want the industry to be regulated and to conduct business legitimately. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Wan Asraf, October 11, 2015.He said Mevta was also at the final stages of preparing papers to be presented to the government during the meeting.

Through these documents, Rizani said Mevta would also provide examples of regulatory measures practised by other countries which could be tailored to Malaysia.

“This includes the dos and don’ts, consumers’ rights and so on.

“The documents we have gathered are 90% complete. We are now waiting for the right time to meet and discuss with the government. Mevta is ready for it,” he said.

The matter would also be discussed at its annual general assembly next month.

As for concerns over rising teenage and underage vape users, Rizani said Mevta acknowledged the problem and had highlighted the matter to the government in its letters.

 “Recently, we are seeing uncontrolled rise in the sale of the devices to the underage.

“Here, the seller or dealer himself should play a role. Nowadays, we also found out there is a petrol station selling vape flavours. This should not be.

“Those who want to sell the electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or the flavours must acquire the necessary knowledge before doing so.”

Apart from young vape users, Rizani also admitted that there were sellers who were taking advantage of consumers by organising vape-related festivals for profit.

“We have so many festivals nowadays related to vaping... who these people are, we just don’t know.

“Certainly all these activities are profit-driven and Mevta is not involved.”

As such, Rizani proposed that a vaping awareness programme or something similar be held with the cooperation of government agencies to educate, not only vapers, but the public. 

 “Regulating is not going to be easy because the industry involves buying, selling and also manufacturing. The government is going to have a lot to think about.

“Perhaps, they can rope in agencies such as the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (Sirim) to help in the technical aspects of things and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) on the halal certification.”

- TMI