Dialogue between Malaysian Ministry of Health and Electronic Cigarette Association: Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Will Cause Controversy

According to Sinarharian's report on March 18th, the Malaysian Ministry of Health and relevant parties in the e-cigarette industry held a symposium to discuss the proposal to ban the sale of e-cigarettes. Mohamad Neezam Talib, Chairman of the Malaysian Electronic Cigarette and Alternative Tobacco Association (MEVTA), stated that the meeting is extremely important and serves as a discussion platform for all parties to express their views on the proposal.
"The Ministry of Health will ban the display of e-cigarette products in stores and the sale of e-liquid produced by local businesses. We oppose these proposals as many local entrepreneurs and workers in many industries will be affected."
He said in a joint statement on Monday, "So far, we have not been invited to discuss the proposed ban on taste control, standardized packaging, and the display of products in stores or the sale of e-liquid."
This joint statement involves MEVTA, the Malaysian Electronic Cigarette Dealers Association (PPVM), and the Malaysian Electronic Cigarette Manufacturers Association (MEBA).
PPVM Chairman Sabri Ismail suggests that the Ministry of Health introduce e-cigarette regulations different from tobacco products to find a balance in developing product rules. In addition, MEBA Chairman Zack Ariffin stated that banning the sale of e-cigarettes could also bankrupt many local businesses. "This ban will only provide advantages for foreign companies and imported products, and the government should fully consider local industries when formulating policies."