18/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 18, 2025

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Vape limbo, conflicting signals from ministries stir confusion

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Mixed messages from Putrajaya on the future of vaping have left both industry players and consumers bewildered, with the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) warning of legal and economic uncertainties. Its secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli said the Finance Ministry is considering a “pro-health” excise hike on vape liquids – currently taxed at 40sen per millilitre – while the Health Ministry appears to be pushing for a nationwide phase-out. “The Finance Ministry was talking about raising taxes and suddenly the Health Ministry is talking about banning vape through Cabinet. That would go against Act 852.” Act 852 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 sets out strict rules on advertising, packaging, point-of-sale displays and the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors. Ridhwan stressed that under this framework, the Cabinet cannot simply impose a nationwide ban without first amending the legislation. PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has been ordered to overhaul the electrical infrastructure at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after a blackout at Terminal 2 exposed weaknesses in its system, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. Speaking after unveiling the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia’s (CAAM) new corporate identity, Loke said airports are critical infrastructure that must run with near-absolute reliability. “MAHB must redesign its electrical system so such a blackout does not recur.” The outage happened late last month when a fault in one of the terminal’s cables triggered a power cut. Operations were not severely Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

own health,” she said. Citing Malaysia’s now widely observed smoke-free restaurant rules, she said: “You can see the health difference. Malaysia has made progress, but we must do more.” Whether through taxes, regulation or prohibition, Ida said policies must be consistent and comprehensive. “Don’t just ban vape. Cigarettes are no better. If we want a healthier future, we need clear, united action from all ministries and from society itself.” On the ground, vape retailers are already feeling the pinch. In Penang, several shop workers said orders for new stock had been halted since the government’s proposal was floated. At Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam, an employee known only as Amirul said: “If the sale of vapes is prohibited, the shop will close and six of us will lose our income.” Another worker, Haris Mohd Izham, 26, said his boss had stopped purchasing devices and flavour stock altogether. “We’re just waiting for instructions on whether to run clearance promotions to sell what’s left.” can also confiscate illicit tobacco. Smuggling already happens because some sellers avoid paying tax, so a robust enforcement strategy is essential,” she said, adding that reducing corruption was also key. Ida further highlighted the need for clear, strategic communication to avoid confusion among the public and stakeholders. “Communication plays an important role. Government has many agencies and ministries – hundreds of them. That’s why we need strategic communication. It has to be discussed, planned and implemented carefully so the rakyat receives consistent information.” Despite the hurdles, Ida maintained that a stronger, better-communicated GEG remained Malaysia’s best chance of curbing nicotine addiction. “We just need political will. If we are serious about protecting our future generation, we must be strict, we must be united and we must communicate clearly.” Meanwhile, MVCC secretary general Ridhwan Rosli said the group was not opposed to the GEG proposal but questioned how it would be enforced. “I’ve been involved in vape policy for more than a decade. Back in 2015, as a youth parliamentarian, I was the one who first urged the government to regulate vaping. Since then, policies and regulations have continued to evolve and there have been many challenges along the way.” The GEG was first introduced under the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill 2022, aimed at banning the sale of cigarettes, tobacco and vape products to those born in 2007 onwards. – By KIRTINEE RAMESH

opinion on the spot and it gets publicised before any real discussion. That’s when confusion happens.” From a fiscal perspective, Ida argued that higher excise duties alone would not curb use. “Vapes and cigarettes are highly addictive. No matter how much tax we impose, people will still buy them. Sharp price hikes could even drive smuggling, just like illicit drugs,” she warned. She described the proposed “pro health tax” as part of a broader effort to govern addictive products, including sugary foods and online gaming. “Governments have a responsibility to protect society from addiction, whether it’s nicotine, sugar or digital habits.” Ida also cautioned that banning vape while leaving cigarettes untouched would only benefit tobacco companies. While revenue from vape and tobacco duties is modest compared with the national budget, she noted the long-term health burden is substantial. “The government must lead but individuals must also care for their PETALING JAYA: The government must revive the Generational Endgame (GEG) in a stronger and clearer form if it is serious about protecting Malaysia’s youth from nicotine addiction, said UPM Putra Business School associate professor Dr Ida Md Yasin. “Of course, we can improve it from time to time, but what we really need is political will.” Ida stressed that industry opposition was fuelled by profit, not public health. “Addiction equals profit. From the seller’s perspective, the more people are addicted, the more they earn. But as a government, we must take care of the next generation of Malaysians.” She said the GEG’s core purpose was to shield youths who had yet to pick up nicotine habits. “For adults who have been smoking for 30 or 40 years, there is only so much we can do. The priority is protecting the younger generation who are not yet addicted,” she said, noting that cessation programmes for long-term smokers had limited success. To ensure GEG works, Ida said strong public education and coordinated enforcement were critical to prevent black markets. “There are already awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking, but they haven’t been very effective. What I can praise is the rule that bans smoking in restaurants. That was a good move – we just need proper enforcement,” she said, adding that authorities could draw lessons from the fight against other illicit trades. “When we talk about confiscation of illegal drugs, it’s the same case. If Customs can seize illegal drugs, they

o Industry and consumers caught in policy crossfire as mixed messages spark fears of job losses, legal challenges and economic fallout: Experts

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“At present, state governments can only limit retail licences, not contradict federal law. Some states that tried tougher restrictions have already faced legal challenges. “Wherever cigarettes can be sold – at petrol stations or 24-hour minimarts – vape can technically be sold too.” The chamber, he added, is “just as confused” as consumers, accusing ministries of trying to appease

presenting a clear policy. The Health Ministry has said Malaysia is “moving towards” a total ban on vape sales and use but has yet to give a timeline or details. Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Putra Business School associate professor Dr Ida Md Yasin said the government must coordinate its ministries before making announcements. “Sometimes a minister gives an

Minister orders redesign of power system following KLIA Terminal 2 blackout

KLIA, which handles tens of millions of passengers annually, has faced infrastructure hiccups in recent years – from baggage handling snags to system breakdowns. While most incidents were contained without major flight cancellations, they exposed vulnerabilities in ageing facilities and the need for reinvestment. Loke said the government would closely monitor MAHB’s progress. “MAHB has assured us measures are underway, but we want to see results. Passenger safety and comfort must come first.” The blackout also comes as Malaysia reshapes its aviation regulatory landscape. With the merger of CAAM and the Malaysian Aviation Commission, the enlarged regulator now oversees both technical and economic aspects of the industry.

disrupted, but Loke criticised the response, calling the 28 minutes it took to restore electricity “very long and difficult to accept”. “Even short disruptions can ripple through airlines, passengers and cargo. Reliability and resilience are non-negotiable.” Loke confirmed he has received the full technical report and directed MAHB to go beyond patching faults. “This isn’t just about fixing cables. The design must ensure backup systems kick in instantly and risks are minimised.” He stressed the urgency of improvements, with Malaysia hosting the Asean Summit next month and prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “Airports are the first impression for travellers. We cannot afford repeated failures that undermine Malaysia’s reputation as a reliable air hub.”

Call for clearer, tougher and united ‘endgame’

SUBMERGED LANDSCAPE ... Aerial view of floodwaters inundating roads and homes at a district in Sabah, even as the state government channels emergency aid and the disaster forces school closures. – BERNAMAPIC