Malaysia’s vape industry encourages and welcomes regulations.
According to a recent survey, the majority of vape businesses in Malaysia, or 82%, want the government to act immediately to regulate the sector, reports the New Straits Times.
Many people in the sector are quite concerned about the policy, which has been delayed since 2015. 95% of respondents agreed that restrictions will prohibit sales to youngsters, while 75% think that regulations will help ensure that vape products satisfy safety and quality standards.
Additionally, 70% of vape businesses think that regulations will lead to the creation of new jobs and an increase in both domestic and foreign direct investment.
The Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA), a non-profit advocacy group that helps Malaysian vape entrepreneurs and businesses, recently conducted the RegulateVape poll that produced these results. The opinion poll, which questioned 160 vape entrepreneurs and firms across the country, revealed resounding support for the government enacting laws for the sector, according to MVIA president Rizani Zakaria.
“This is not surprising as the call for regulations has been a constant at the grassroots level,” Zakaria said. “Further, most vape businesses have been self-regulating and adhering to the highest standards to ensure product safety. Significant investments have also been made to ensure the industry continues to propel forward. However, to date, industry players remain concerned as there have not been steps taken to ensure regulations are introduced.”
Zakaria added that instead of waiting for a new Act to be introduced in Parliament, the government should consider measures for quickly regulating the vape business. This will ensure that business practices are immediately regulated to stop sales to young people. However, he said, the sector can also continue to grow while bolstering the national economy.
Additionally, 85% of respondents agreed that rules should not be overly-strict.
The government reviewed and reevaluated the Generation Endgame proposal last year as a result of the industry's widespread expression of concern.
"This industry, valued at MYR2.27 billion in 2019, has the potential to play a key role in contributing to the country as the industry also employs a local workforce and has the capabilities to drive foreign and domestic investments,” Zakaria said. "Through our poll, it is clear that vape players are open and ready to be regulated without drastic regulations that allow them to further contribute to the economy.”