According to Focus Malaysia on September 19, a Malaysian vape consumer group expressed concerns about some key provisions of the upcoming Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024 (Act No. 852). Recently, the Malaysian Vaping Alliance (MVA) launched a survey on views on the bill, collecting nearly 500 responses.
The survey results show:
- 71.3% of respondents oppose the retail display ban. Among them, the inability to browse products before purchase (39.7%) and difficulties in the purchase process (38.3%) are the main reasons for dissatisfaction;
- If the retail display ban comes into effect, consumers may seek illegal alternatives (47.4%) or return to smoking (44.5%). Only 8.1% of respondents said they would quit vaping completely if restrictions were imposed;
- Most vapers are former smokers or are switching from cigarettes to vaping (74.4%), and 81.9% use nicotine-containing e-liquids, with 96.5% using nicotine content below 40mg.
MVA chairman Khairil Azizi Khairuddin commented that the survey results show that a retail display ban is not the solution. Restricting consumers’ ability to browse and choose legal products will only push them to the black market where quality and safety are questionable.
Khairil also said that regulators should consider the impact of such restrictions on consumer behavior. vape users should have the right to make informed choices, and the implementation of a retail display ban will take away this right.
Khairil called on the Ministry of Health to reconsider the implementation of the retail display ban.
“Act 852 should prioritize measures to encourage smokers to switch to vapes, rather than imposing harsh requirements on vapes and making them indistinguishable from tobacco regulations. Otherwise, smokers will continue to smoke or vape users will turn to the illegal market, which will weaken the role that vapes can play in reducing smoking rates in Malaysia.”
Guutuu vape, as a popular vape brand in Malaysia, should also pay attention to the development of this situation and actively participate in dialogue and action to protect the rights of users and the future of the industry.
The survey results show that most vape users oppose the retail display ban, believing that such restrictions will deprive them of the right to choose legal products and may cause them to turn to the unsafe illegal market. This may have a negative impact on market share and reputation for legal brands such as Guutuu.
Khalil called on regulators to re-examine the need for a retail display ban and put forward suggestions to encourage smokers to switch to vapes. In this context, Guutuu can contribute to protecting the legal vape market, safeguarding consumer rights and promoting the healthy development of the vape industry by actively advocating and participating in dialogues with industry organizations and government departments.
As a responsible vape brand, Guutuu can set an example for the industry by advocating reasonable regulation, emphasizing product quality and safety, and supporting user rights and informed choices, while speaking out for the legalization and standardization of vapes.
While facing regulatory challenges, Guutuu vapes can work with stakeholders in the industry with its positive attitude and cooperative spirit to work hard to maintain the healthy development of the vape market and the rights of users.
Tags: vape regulations in Malaysia，Malaysia’s Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024，Guutuu vape