SHAH ALAM – The vape issue is no longer just about an alternative smoking habit; it has become a major social and health challenge, especially involving young people.
However, a total ban is seen as risky as it may create a black market, where users are exposed to unsafe products without proper control standards.
In this context, strict regulation of electronic cigarettes or vapes is seen as a more realistic and effective way to curb this threat.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who agreed with banning vape said it should only focus on certain products, especially open-tank systems and products targeting children.
“Open-tank systems are easily manipulated. Users can mix their own liquids without control, opening the door to drug abuse or harmful chemical substances.
“Furthermore, lower prices due to low taxes increase usage among teenagers. Taxes need to be raised,” he said.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the Health Ministry was targeting to implement a vape ban starting with open-system types this year.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry would not compromise on enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal added that a total ban, including closed-pod systems, could push a million users into the black market.
“History in Singapore, Australia and other countries shows bans rarely succeed. We need regulation, not just prohibition, so we can monitor who is buying and what the contents are. Japan, for example, has successfully balanced health issues, fiscal revenue and the environment,” he said.
He said the government should first evaluate its effectiveness before making drastic changes.
“A complete ban will not solve the problem. If all types of vape are banned, the country will not only lose tax revenue, but the market will be dominated by smuggling syndicates,” he said.
However, he said the ban on open-system vapes should continue for public safety, but regulated closed-system products should not be banned.
The focus should be on strict regulation, banning dangerous products and implementing progressive taxes to increase prices so that students cannot afford them, while still providing an alternative for heavy smokers.
He suggested a middle-ground policy as the best approach, where open-system vapes are banned while others are strictly regulated under Act 852.
“If we still want to ban everything, we will not solve existing issues and will instead create new problems such as black markets and safety issues, while also losing tax revenue,” he said.
Meanwhile, tax experts stressed that a total ban would harm the country. The vape industry is estimated to be worth RM3.5 billion, but leakage of revenue due to weak enforcement and non-comprehensive taxes could reach hundreds of millions annually.
“If all vape is banned, hundreds of millions will shift to the black market. The government will still bear healthcare costs without gaining revenue. This is not wise,” the experts said.
The current tax structure of 40 sen per milliliter is too low, making vape easily accessible to teenagers.
The government is advised to implement progressive taxes similar to the United Kingdom, where tax is based on nicotine content and the revenue is channeled into the public healthcare system.
The United Kingdom (UK) does not completely ban vaping but imposes higher taxes on products with high nicotine levels.
This strategy not only increases national revenue but also functions as a health control tool, where tax revenue is used to fund smoking cessation programmes.
“If we ban everything, the government will ‘lose twice’, billions in tax revenue disappear, yet healthcare costs still have to be borne with national funds,” experts said.
Meanwhile, Harm Reduction Action Network (HaRAN) deputy president Datuk Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman supported strict enforcement and at the same time, banning open-system vapes because they were easily manipulated.
“Where there is demand, there will be supply. If everything is banned, the black market will continue to grow without regulation. Bans must come with enforcement and education, as seen in Japan and the UK,” he said.
The former Selangor state health director added that without supervision, this situation could place a long-term burden on the already strained national healthcare system.
Health Risks
Public Health Specialist Dr Safiya Amaran emphasised that a phased ban, starting with open-system vapes was appropriate and aligned with international public health approaches.
“Without strict regulation, the long-term burden on the public healthcare system will increase. Regulation or phased bans are more effective than simply relying on tax collection,” she said.