—
The ‘Uncle Maniam’ flavoured vape liquid: Trolling Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam.
E-cigarettes: Banned in Singapore
E-cigarettes are banned in Singapore, Brunei and Thailand, while India was reported to be planning to ban it soon.
—
17 December 2015
Star
17 December 2015 | MYT 12:17 PM
Four arrested in Johor for selling illegal vape liquids
JOHOR BARU: Johor police have arrested four vape outlet owners and operators here for selling vape liquids.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd said that the operations were carried out at three business premises in Taman Century and Larkin on Dec 15.
He said police also took away 6,924 bottles of vape liquids and 190 vape accessories worth about RM382,385 during the raids.
The men, aged between 23 and 70 years old, have been released after having their statements recorded.
29 November 2015
Johor Sultan wants all vape outlets in the state to close shop by Jan 1
…
相信沒有人敢再說三道四了吧！
http://www.chinapress.com.my/?p=509053
#今日中國報
—
Hear us out before banning vape, says group of Johor sultan’s decree
…
The Malaysian E-Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) wants a chance to clear negative misconceptions on vaping before the authorities implement a blanket ban against the entire industry.
Reacting to the decree by the Sultan of Johor to prohibit the sale of vapourisers and fluids in the state, Mevta, with some 2,000 members across the country, said they would seek an audience with the palace to explain their side of the story, and to discuss the matter with the relevant authorities.
The group said it respected the royal decree by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, which was reported in the Sunday Star today.
“We respect the wishes and genuine concern of Baginda Sultan Ibrahim towards the people of Johor and strongly agree that the e-cigarette and vaping issue should not be made into a racial issue.
“Our association is a proud multi-ethnic association that spans across all ethnicities in Malaysia.
—
Malaysiakini
Be cool, Johor vapers urged after sultan’s decree
Johor vapers have been urged to remain calm in the face of a decree by Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Ismail Iskandar that the government shut down all vape shops in the state.
The Johor sultan called on the government to shut down vape shops using by-laws, but did not specify which by-laws.
“If the ruling is final then we at Johor Vape Crew respect this decree. All vapers are advised not to provoke.
“God willing, there will be a solution. Long live the sultan,” Johor Vape Crew said in a posting…
According to Johor Vape Crew – a popular Johor Bahru Facebook page for vape retailers and consumers in the southern state – there are 124 vape shops in Johor as at October.
The page has about 7,500 followers.
The call comes after major vape associations Medical Organisations Supporting Vaping and Electronic Cigarettes (Move) and the Malay Vaping Retailers Association zipped their lips when contacted.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/321488
—
Jika ini keputusan muktamad , kami di johor vape crew menghormati keputusan tuanku . Pada para vapers agar tidak tunjuk sebarang provokasi..in shaa Allah , ada jalan penyelesaiannya..Daulat Tuanku
The ban in the state covers all sales of vape products.
Star
29 November 2015
Johor monarch wants all vape outlets in the state to close shop by Jan 1
JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor has ordered a ban on vaping in the state and His Royal Highness has given the owners of vape outlets a month’s deadline to close down.
“I want the outlets to close down by January 1, 2016, and I do not want to hear any excuses.
“This is a question of health and its effects on young people. It has nothing to do with businesses and for sure, it has nothing to do with race.
“I am greatly disappointed that some people are bringing up racial threats and political threats,” he said in an interview.
Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar said the state had the right to invoke bylaws under the local government laws to shut down vape outlets.
The Sultan ordered the state executive council to meet next week to hasten the process.
He said politicians should also stop pandering to businessmen in the vape industry.
“Why are these politicians giving in to these threats? I want to know if these businessmen would allow their children to vape if it is so safe and healthy as they claim.
“Do you want to see your children puffing away?
“It is a new business. What kind of businesses were they doing before this? Go back to your previous work,” he said.
—
27 November 2015
Of hazy vape laws and steamy tax ringgit potential
…
Confiscation of thousands of bottles of vape juice laced with nicotine has led to dizzying losses of up to RM200,000 for those in the trade such as in the case of industry big name Vape Empire Malaysia.
Meanwhile, smaller players like Edi Mohamad are still bleeding in the aftermath.
The owner of Vape Port, a vape shop and café in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur told Malaysiakini that sales have dropped following the raids because customers are afraid.
“If you (the government) want to raid, don’t raid us (retailers). They should instead regulate the suppliers.
“How is it that everyone can sell cigarettes but we (vape retailers) are harassed for selling something less dangerous?” he asked.
The comparison to the easily available conventional cigarettes has prompted allegations that the Health Ministry is backed by big tobacco players, which are trying to snuff out competition.
Regulatory maze
A look into the regulatory maze now used to control the RM2.8 billion industry, however, may show otherwise.
This differs from conventional cigarettes, which can be sold by unlicensed retailers according to the Foods Act 1983. Tobacco products are controlled under this Act under the subsection The Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 2004.
This regulates the sale and production of tobacco products from its advertising (where companies cannot advertise or promote their products) to its packaging (requiring prominent display of gruesome health warnings).
…
Raids on vape retailers are done under the Poisons Act, because it is illegal to sell liquid nicotine without permission. Tobacco products aren’t subject to the same restrictions.
…
Makers and sellers of vape and vaping liquids are also not bound by packaging or advertising laws, to the ire of health professionals who rue how the titillating marketing is attracting younger users.
The vape mods – devices used to inhale the vapourised juices – however, are regulated under trade laws like the Trade Description Act 2011 and Consumer Protection Act 1999.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/321246
—
25 November 2015
What lies behind the smoke?
…
—
The politics of vape, and why Ismail Sabri is the ‘vape hero’
#FOCUS Part 1: The politics of vape, and why Ismail Sabri is the ‘vape hero’ https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/320936
…
Now under threat following enforcement against the retail sale of liquid nicotine, suppliers, distributors, retailers and consumers who make up the ‘smoke chain’ are fast trying to lobby Putrajaya to gain control of the industry that is reported to be worth more than RM2.8 billion last year.
Their efforts to establish the vape industry in Malaysia have not been spared from political intricacies that make up part of the government’s decision-making process.
Since the crackdown, political figures representing the Malay community, including Umno Youth, Perkasa and even minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, have come forward to speak for the industry.
Last week, Ikhlas – the NGO representing Malay traders who once hosted a protest ‘pasar malam’ in front of then Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan’s home – also got into the action.
The NGO offered free vape liquids to attract protesters to the demonstration over the matter in front of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya.
Why? The demographics of the vape retail industry may shed some light.
Bumiputera entrepreneurs
Meet Shahril, the archetypal vape shop owner. Having started vaping in 2010 as a means to quit smoking, he now owns a vape shop in the leafy Kuala Lumpur suburb of Taman Melawati.
…
Ismail Sabri, the vape hero
The overwhelming bumiputera presence in the industry piqued Ismail Sabri’s interest when Move met the minister to state their case, Move secretary Syamsul Reza Mohd Mokhtar told Malaysiakini.
Reza said Ismail Sabri was concerned that a ban on vaping will hurt young Malay entrepreneurs, who have invested their money into researching, developing and producing new mods and e-juices that meet international standards.
“He is our hero,” Reza said.
Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/320936#ixzz3sTpDsSf
—
E-cigarette battery catches fire on Malindo Air Flight from Kota Kinabalu to KLIA2
—
Vaping is now banned in schools and public universities.
—-
22 November 2015
Malaysiakini
Vape banned in all public universities, says Idris Jusoh
E-cigarettes (vape) and smoking are banned in all 20 public universities in the country, said Higher Education Minister Idris Jusoh.
He said a joint decision on the matter was reached by all the universities’ vice-chancellors (VCs) at a meeting on Friday.
“Although some of the VCs had made their own announcements on banning vape within the confines of their campuses, I feel a joint decision is very apt because universities are “green zones.
“Before we only banned smoking of tobacco but now we are extending it to vape as well,” he said.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/320536
—
21 November 2015
…
Malaysia vs UK. Fuck you,MMA. “@jahabarsadiq: Benefits of vaping illusory, says Malaysian Medical Association http://bit.ly/1OXheJU “
Vaping a health issue, not economic: Malaysia Medical Association, news, Health News, … http://ebx.sh/1QUIN6h
—
Malaysiakini
MMA: On vaping, focus on health, not distribution angle
Discussions on e-cigarettes should focus on health issues rather than the economic well-being of the dealers, said the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Ashok Zachariah Philip.
He said e-cigarettes also had not been around long enough for anyone to claim with certainty that they were safe for long-term use as long-term damage to the organs might take 15 or 20 years to develop.
“Common sense and caution suggest that inhaling volatile active chemicals into delicate tissue lining the air sacs of the lung is more likely than to have damaging effects,” he said in a statement here today.
Dr Ashok Zachariah suggested that further studies were needed to elucidate many pro-vaping activists’ claim that e-cigarettes were 95 percent safer than cigarettes.
“If it is true that e-cigarettes are significantly more effective on smoking cessation, then it can be offered as a therapeutic option in smoking cessation clinic,” he said.
“However, many people who now vape have never smoked before. Many young people, seduced by the ‘cool factor’ and buying the propaganda that e-cigarettes are harmless, have taken up this habit.
“Even if e-cigarettes are only five percent as harmful as tobacco cigarettes, this not a trivial health risk for someone who has never smoked,” he said.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/320512
—
Benefits of vaping illusory, says Malaysian Medical Association
The health benefits of e-cigarettes, or vaping, are either limited or illusory, while the potential ill-effects are very real, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) warned today, even as pro-vaping groups hit out at Putrajaya for clamping down on the mushrooming industry.
MMA president Dr Ashok Zachariah Philip said it supported the Health Ministry’s initiatives against vaping, given the repercussions the new trend could have on public health.
He also stressed the lack of long-term or conclusive studies on the alleged positive benefits of vaping as an alternative to smoking.
“What are the health issues? Firstly, e-cigarettes have not been around long enough for anyone to claim with certainty that they are safe for long-term use,” wrote Dr Philip in a statement.
He said long term damage to the organs could take up to 20 years to develop, and it would be difficult to study the impact of vaping since many had smoked, or continued to smoke, cigarettes.
—
Vaping is not banned but there are other ways of making it extremely difficult to buy or sell vaping liquid.
—
11 November 2015
Groups lodge police report, want ban on vaping
Groups lodge police report, want ban on vaping http://bit.ly/1MzFgbz
An anti-smoking lobby group and a Muslim religious organisation today urged the Cabinet to reverse its decision not to ban vape, declaring their support for the Health Ministry’s crackdown on the trend which some say is an alternative to smoking.
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) and the Muslim Missionary Society of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan (Jam’iyah) said vaping had an adverse effect on society.
“We are asking the cabinet to review (the decision), the cabinet is wrong not to ban vaping.
“We want the government through the Health Ministry to do its job and ultimately we are pushing for a total ban to e-cigarettes and vaping,” MCTC president Dr Molly Cheah told reporters after lodging a police report at Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
Jam’iyah representative Shaari Ahmad Junid lodged the police report on behalf of both organisations. The report urged the police to take action those trying to stop the ministry’s clampdown on vape retailers.
—
9 November 2015
Malaysiakini
Ismail Sabri wants M’sian vape to be world famous
Amid controversy and dispute within the government on whether or not vaping should be illegal, one minister wants Malaysian vapouriser products to become world famous.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he wants bumiputera entrepreneurs to continue making “great flavours”, albeit without the use of controlled substances.
“I want to see Malaysia vape products to be world renowned, and what will make us more proud is it will be the creative works of young Malays and bumiputera,” Ismail said in a Facebook posting today.
Vaping became a hot topic after the Health Ministry decided to crack down on vape shops, and seize vape liquids that contained nicotine, a controlled substance that requires a permit to sell.
Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said vaping could be just as bad as smoking cigarettes.
The raids have been criticised by fellow cabinet members, especially after the cabinet decided on Friday that vaping would not be banned for now.
Ismail meanwhile said he is confident vaping will not be banned outright, but simply regulated.
He said this is based on the Health Ministry’s setting up of a vape taskforce yesterday, and the announcement by his deputy Alexander Nanta Linggi that vape prices would be standardised.
As such he hopes that those in the vape industry would follow the laws.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/318857
—
8 November 2015
…
The truth is out!
KJ: Health Ministry jumped the gun in anti-vape raids
He hopes there will be no further raids against vape sellers until the special committee arrives at a decision.
KJ: Health Ministry jumped the gun in anti-vape raids – UPDATED 8.20PM He says cabinet instructed the ministry … http://ow.ly/37gu93
The Health Ministry jumped the gun in its series of raids targeting vapouriser shops over the past week, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.
He said the cabinet had earlier decided that the Health Ministry is to formulate new rules to regulate the vape industry, and until then there should not be any bans or raids against it.
That decision, he said, should be respected.
To a question on whether the raids had been rash, Khairy, who is also Umno Youth chief said: “I believe so.”
“I don’t want to comment too much about other ministries, but that is my personal view and this matter has been conveyed to the cabinet meeting.”
This comes after Umno Youth exco member Armand Azha Abu Hanifah asked if “hidden hands” were behind the raids, which is hurting the half-a-billion ringgit industry.
Khairy said vape entreprenuers should be consulted before the government resorts to a crackdown.
This is because they had made large investments when there was no regulation in place.
Seizing their stocks places excessive strain on the businesses, he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.
—
Malaysiakini
‘A million votes up in smoke if Najib doesn’t stop vape raids’
A traders NGO said Prime Minister Najib Razak could lose over a million votes if he does not stop the seizure of vape liquid used in electronic cigarettes.
Therefore Pertubuhan Ikatan Usahawan Kecil dan Sederhana (Ikhlas) urged the prime minister to step in.
They also called for Health Minister S Subramaniam responsible for the seizures to resign.
“We call on the PM to intervene in the matter because it involves over one million voters who are vape users.
“We don’t want this to become a political issue as it will tarnish the government’s presently good name,” said Ikhlas president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah.
The group was lodging a police report against the Health Ministry for seizing vape liquids containing nicotine.
Ikhlas along with Majlis Jalinan Muhibah Malaysia (MJMM) and Ikatan Rakyat Insan Muslim Malaysia (IRRIM) lodged the report at 11.40am at Dang Wangi district police station.
Ridzuan also encouraged others in the vape industry who have had their vape products seized to lodge similar reports.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/318824
…
3 NGOs lodge police report against health minister http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/11/3-ngos-lodge-police-report-against-health-minister … #vape
…
BN risks 1 million votes if crackdown on vape continues, says group http://bit.ly/1SB5481
—
Special Taskforce on e-cigarettes, led by Health DG, formed to answer all issues pertaining #vape: Health Minister
…
—
NST
Vapers want govt to revise Poisons Act 1952
By Hariz Mohd – 7 November 2015 @ 7:13 PM
PETALING JAYA: A vaping association wants the government to revise the Poisons Act 1952 which regulates e-cigarette selling.
Describing the act as “obsolete”, Malaysia E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) president Allan Foo said the Health Ministry (MOH) should work towards regulating the industry instead of driving it underground.
“Mevta understands that the MOH is only doing its job by enforcing the Poisons Act 1952, which specifies that only licensed pharmacists are allowed to dispense nicotine products.
“However, we believe that it was not fair for the ministry to conduct raids and seize nicotine-laced e-juice from vape shops nationwide without giving a grace period to the industry.
“Moreover, the act they enforced is obsolete as back at the time it was introduced, less was known about the dangers of conventional cigarette smoking,” he said.
Foo spoke to reporters during a press conference held by Mevta in Bandar Sri Damansara, here, earlier today.
7 November 2015
…
NST
‘Buy nicotinated e-cigs only from licensed pharmacists’
By SITI NURSURAYA ALI – 7 November 2015 @ 11:00 AM
KUALA LUMPUR: Those hooked on nicotinated e-cigarettes will only be allowed to buy them from licensed pharmacists and pharmacies. Only these two, said the Health Ministry, were sanctioned to store and sell e-cigarettes.
Its deputy director-general, Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, said pharmacies planning on selling e-cigarettes must first get the ministry’s clearance.
Under existing regulations, only the two are licensed by the ministry and regulated under the Poisons Act 1952.
Dr Lokman dashed all hopes of vape sellers hoping to at least get licensed by the ministry to sell e-cigarettes.
—
PM, DPM’s children emerge as vape defenders
PM, DPM’s children emerge as vape defenders http://twib.in/l/5nK6e8joMXB | https://twibble.io
The vaping industry has found two influential defenders in the form of the children of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the Health Ministry insists on cracking down on its use.
The prime minister’s son, Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia today that he opposed any plans by the government to ban vaping.
“I hope this (vape) industry will continue to expand in Malaysia. I do not agree if the use of vape is banned.
“Many of the best vape products come from young local entrepreneurs who are creative and innovative, so I will give them encouragement,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister’s daughter Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid also complained about the ‘criminal’ treatment against the vaping industry.
“Why don’t the government conduct research into the negatives and positives of vaping?
“There is no need for widespread confiscation and making threatening statements as if vape is a crime,” she said in a Facebook posting yesterday.
She pointed out that unlike tobacco cigarettes which contain up to 4,000 poisonous contents, vapes were significantly less harmful.
She added that government action against vaping was also hurting businesses.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/318764
—
Thank-you PM @NajibRazak for not banning vaping, says minister @IsmailSabri60 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/317807
Blogger: And then came the raids!!!
—
6 November 2015
Malaysian Insider
Ministry denies vape store raids due to pressure from tobacco companies
Ministry denies vape store raids due to pressure from tobacco companies http://bit.ly/1MnsUTV
The Health Ministry denied today that its raids on e-cigarette or vape stores were due to pressure from tobacco companies, following outrage from traders who were forced to temporarily close shops.
Ministry deputy director (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said they had never worked with any tobacco companies as doing so would contravene the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
“We have never worked with them. It’s an offence under WHO FCTC. Is there any statistics outlining the industry’s severe losses? Are there any statistics who are the vapers?” he told The Malaysian Insider.
—
This was posted on 3 November 2015
SORE LOSER? Ministry of Health couldn’t get the cabinet to impose a ban, so it does the next best thing: Confiscate your vaping fluid!
SHOPS AND OTHER PLACES THAT SELL VAPING FLUID CAN EXPECT TO BE RAIDED…
—
5 November 2015
IT HAS STARTED!
Nationwide crackdown on vapes begins
Harian Metro(Tengah) #vape Presiden MOVE sifatkan operasi mengejut tanpa notis tidak harus berlaku. http://hmtro.com/1iFhzCH
Nationwide crackdown on #vapes begins http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/11/nationwide-crackdown-vapes-begins … #vape #malaysianvapers
…
By ZAHRATULHAYAT MAT ARIF – 5 November 2015 @ 10:32 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has started a nationwide crackdown by raiding vape stores and confiscating thousands bottles of vape liquid that contain nicotine.
A spokesman from the ministry said the seizures were in accordance to provisions under the Poison Act, which enables enforcement against traders selling vape liquids containing nicotine without valid approval and or licence.
However, the raids has shocked and also angered many as the Cabinet had recently decided not to ban but to educate the public on the harmful effects of vaping besides imposing stringent regulations on the matter.
…
Meanwhile, Malaysian E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) president Allan Foo said it was unfair for the ministry to conduct the raids without giving ample time for shop owners to apply for the license.
“The ministry needs to be fair. They may have the power to raid shops or any premises but they must at least give time for us to apply for the licenses.
A vape shop owner in Shah Alam, who declined to be identified, said enforcement officers came to his store and seized more than 300 bottles of vape liquid worth about RM2,000.
“They showed up about 3pm and showed a letter claiming the raid is due to the nicotine content in our products.
“They should have given us some times to apply for the license. They can’t simply raid and seize the items,” he said adding that the ministry should come up with solid solution, pertaining to vape issue.
4 November 2015
Health Ministry to crack down on ‘#vape #juice‘ sellers soon http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/11/health-ministry-crack-down-vape-juice-sellers-soon … #vapemalaysia
…
M’sian Health Ministry says will confiscate #nicotine products to discourage #vaping http://tdy.sg/1Me550C
…
Health Ministry to clamp down on vaping http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/health-ministry-clamp-down-vaping-78745 …
…
Health Ministry starts crackdown on vaping, says will confiscate nicotine products. http://yhoo.it/1M90CsF
…
3 November 2015
Health Ministry to confiscate vaping fluids
Health Ministry to confiscate vaping fluids http://bit.ly/1MdVWoX
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam has instructed his ministry to take action against those selling products with nicotine content used in electronic cigarettes or vapes, The Star reported.
He was quoted as saying they would start the confiscations soon and would move in hard, adding that his ministry had the power to confiscate such products under the Poisons Act 1952 (Revision 1989) and Food Act 1983.
Nicotine is categorised as a Group C poison under the act and those manufacturing, distributing and selling it need to be licensed, the report said.
—
2 November 2015
Star
Monday November 2, 2015 MYT 7:50:13 AM
CAP: Teachers say school children starting to vape
PETALING JAYA: The Consumers Association of Penang says that it has received complaints from teachers who say that children as young as 12 years old have started to vape.
CAP president S. M. Mohd Idris said the teachers complained the issue had caused disciplinary issues in schools.
“They complained that they cannot control the students,” he said.
Mohd Idris said CAP was disappointed that the Cabinet had decided to regulate e-cigarette instead of banning it.
“Why is the Cabinet rushing into the decision so quickly since the Health Ministry was still looking into the safety of e-cigarettes?” he said.
He said teachers had complained to them that children in primary and secondary schools had started to vape in toilets and bring their equipment to schools, which they were not supposed to.
While thinking that vaping was fashionable, the children were also attracted to the fruity flavours, he said.
Idris added that nasi kandar restaurant operators had also complained that customers refused to stop vaping and even wanted to get into a fight with them, saying that there was no law against it, although there was nicotine in e-cigarettes.
“The Cabinet is creating more social problems by not banning e-cigarettes,” he said.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/02/CAP-Teachers-say-school-children-starting-to-vape/
—
31 October 2015
Malaysiakini
Ministry drafting rules on vape ban in schools: Mahdzir
The Education Ministry’s Daily School Management Division and Residential School Management Division are in the process of drawing up rules on electronic cigarettes or ‘vape’ for schools.
Its minister Mahdzir Khalid said the rules banning vape in schools will not differ much from those on smoking.
“The ministry hopes parents can prevent their children from using vape. You cannot totally depend on the school to control them.
“If schools and parents, and the students have a sense of responsibility, then there’s no problem,” he told reporters after a programme at Padang Kerasak, Naka organised by the Padang Terap Wanita Umno Division in Kuala Nerang, Kedah, today.
Yesterday, the Cabinet decided not to ban the use of vape, although the Health Ministry had voiced its concerns about it.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/317959
—
30 October 2015
AND HOW LONG BEFORE HE BREAKS HIS PROMISE?
Thank-you PM @NajibRazak for not banning vaping, says minister @IsmailSabri60 https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/317807
Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is grateful to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and the government for understanding the aspirations of the youth.
The rural and regional development minister posted this on Facebook following the cabinet’s decision not to impose a ban on electronic cigarettes.
“Good news for vapers, brewers and salesmen. Today, the Cabinet decided not to ban vaping.
“Thank you to the prime minister and government for understanding the aspirations of the youth,” he said.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/317807
…
Star
Friday October 30, 2015 MYT 2:35:14 PM
Ismail Sabri: Cabinet decides not to ban vaping
PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet on Friday has decided against imposing a ban on electronic cigarettes, or vaping.
“Good news for vapers, vape brewers and vape salesmen. Today, the Cabinet has decided not to ban vaping. Thank you to the Prime Minister and Government who understands the aspirations of the youth,” said the Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a Facebook post on Friday.
Prior to this, the Health Ministry was considering imposing the ban.
—
29 October 2015
No decision to ban vaping, says deputy health minister
No decision to ban vaping, says deputy health minister http://bit.ly/1M3bs71
As the government has yet to make decision to ban electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping, there is no restriction on its sale or usage, says the Health Ministry.
Its deputy minister, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, said it was still too early to decide whether to ban vaping as there was no specific law about it.
“So far, no law has been enacted,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby in Kuala Lumpur today.
Dr Hilmi said the ministry would discuss with stakeholders on the use and sale of e-cigarettes before drafting an act on the matter.
—
Star
Thursday October 29, 2015 MYT 7:14:35 AM
Ministry considering best approach to tackle issue
MALACCA: Vaping is to be banned in the country soon – or at least regulated stringently.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the ministry was studying the models used in countries that have banned it and those which had imposed strict rules, to adopt the best practices for legislation.
“We have not made a definite decision yet. The options we are considering range from very strict regulation or to a total ban.
“We are looking at existing laws under the ministry and the laws of other ministries on the best approach to take,” he said at an event to distribute Deepavali hampers and vouchers at Dewan Hang Tuah here yesterday.
Dr Subramanian said several countries had banned vaping while others have banned the use of devices such as e-cigarettes, adding that Singapore has also announced that it would ban vaping and such devices from Dec 15.
He said the ministry was compiling results of studies on the health risks of vaping and its effects on passive vapers and other information.
He said regulations could also include barring the use of vapers in restaurants and other public areas.
…
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya also told the Dewan Rakyat that 70% of smokers wanted to quit smoking by switching to vape but ended up smoking both.
The ministry has been concerned over the growing trend of vaping among Malaysians, especially those below 18.
…
Star
Thursday October 29, 2015 MYT 7:00:15 AM
Vexed over planned anti-vape move
PETALING JAYA: Vape Street co-owner Yazuan Yatim has been enjoying brisk sales of various vape flavours and e-cigarettes since operating his colourful shop in Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya two months ago.
Now, he is worried that his business would come to an end.
Yazuan appealed to the Government over plans to ban vaping, saying that this would only force vapers and outlet owners to go underground.
“How do you think the authorities will ban vaping? We have the second largest market after the United States.
“Will it solve the problem? I don’t think so,” he said when interviewed at his shop yesterday.
…
Vaper Nancy Nais, 33, a corporate manager, said banning it would be unreasonable as it would not solve the smoking problem.
“Cigarettes and vaping are the same. If they want to ban vaping because it is harmful, they should also ban cigarettes.
“They might as well legalise vaping and tax customers,” she said.
University student Mohd Edry Firdaus, 23 said the plan was unfair.
“If they think it can cause cancer, they should really look into the effects of smoking. It is more harmful. Once you ban, vapers will find other ways,” he said.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/10/29/Vexed-over-planned-antivape-move/
…
Star
Thursday October 29, 2015 MYT 6:57:43 AM
Vapers fuming at why cigarettes are allowed
PETALING JAYA: Vapers are fuming in light of the Health Ministry’s plan to ban vaping, with some questioning the real reason behind the action.
Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entity (MOVE) president Samsul Kamal Ariffin said he felt there was a different agenda.
“If the ministry is concerned about our health, why not ban cigarettes altogether?
“Why only put health warnings on the cigarette packets? It does not make sense,” he said.
He said people who picked up vaping were those who wanted to quit smoking.
…
Samsul said MOVE was a non-governmental organisation set up in May to push for regulations on the distribution, sale and use of vape.
“What MOVE wants is to act as a bridge between vapers and the Government. We are not a pressure group,” he said, adding that MOVE would like to work with the Government in solving the issues.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/10/29/Vapers-fuming-at-why-cigarettes-are-allowed/
—
Malay Mail Online
Health Ministry says studying laws to ban vaping
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Health Ministry is currently studying existing laws to look into legal ways to ban vaping in Malaysia, according to its minister Datuk Seri S Subramaniam.
Subramaniam said a ban would be the best solution as he believes the rising trend of vaping would be difficult to control if left unchecked.
“The long term plan is to ban vaping, so we are looking at efforts legally on how to implement this,” he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby.
“If it were up to me, I would want to implement the ban as soon as possible because I feel we need to stop this before it becomes a big issue,” the minister added.
The National Fatwa Council has prohibited Muslims from vaping amid the rapid growth of the multi-million ringgit industry in Malaysia that is purportedly the second biggest in the world.
– See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/health-ministry-says-studying-laws-to-ban-vaping#sthash.9K5F6qax.dpuf
…
New Straits Times Health Ministry to study laws to ban vaping as soon as possible, as it is detrimental to health: S. Subramaniam
—
—
khalidkarim BN Govt wants to ban vaping to encourage 500k youths to revert back to smoking.Wonder why?
—
3 October 2015
Malay Mail Online
Move to ban vaping, shisha gets thumbs up from medical community
PETALING JAYA, Oct 3 — The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) will support any move by the government to ban e-cigarettes and Shisha smoking under a “better safe than sorry” policy.
Its president Dr Ashok Philips said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya’s statement that the government may impose a ban on vaping devices and its nicotine “juice” was a positive development.
“Should research determine that these devices are not harmful, then it would not be an issue to overturn the ban.
“But if people are allowed to vape and some adverse health effect is discovered later, you can’t retract or overturn health problems that arise,” he said, adding that such a ban should be enforced strictly.
Dr Hilmi, in making the statement earlier yesterday in George Town, had said that the ministry was doing comprehensive research on the matter and getting feedback from experts.
“Perhaps we need to ban it once and for all just like Thailand and Singapore,” said Dr Hilmi.
He dismissed the widespread belief that vaping was less harmful than cigarettes as untrue, saying the vapour and smoke were both potentially carcinogenic.
—
16 September 2015
Malaysian Insider
New law to control use of vape, says deputy minister
Published: 16 September 2015 7:39 AM
-
New law to control use of vape, says deputy minister http://bit.ly/1itXeky
Malaysian Insider A new law to regulate the use of tobacco products which is being drafted by the Health Ministry will take into account the suitable control on the use of vape and the act of vaping which is harmful to human health, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya (pic,below).
He said the existing laws, namely the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations (Amendment) 2011 under the Food Act 1983 was seen as not being effective, especially in terms of fines imposed on offenders, to control the use of vape and other tobacco products, including cigarettes.
“We have included vape so that we can control its usage. At the moment, there is no control and vape is very dangerous, especially if the vapour is inhaled by our children. I advise vapers to stop the habit as it has a negative effect on health.
“The process of drafting the new law on tobacco products has been on-going for about two years and I hope it will be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible,” he told reporters after launching a Zoomers Young Doctors’ Club programme at Selandar Integrated Boarding School in Jasin yesterday.
—
Free Malaysia Today
Vaping not as bad as made out to be
The vaping community is determined to erase the stigma surrounding the burgeoning trend.
KUALA LUMPUR: In spite of the bad press surrounding the trend of vaping, proponents are determined to spread the word that e-cigarettes are not as bad as the media has made it to be.
Enthusiasts have responded to the negative press with the argument that vaping is a far less dangerous and equally enjoyable alternative to smoking that can help smokers wean themselves off their dependency on nicotine.
“The reasoning right now is that vaping is a healthier alternative than smoking. That’s what we tell people: if you don’t smoke, don’t start vaping because you don’t need to,” said local vaping enthusiast Haziq Hamid, 27.
“Eventually, they can stop vaping as well. You’re not absolutely free of any health risks,” he admitted. “I personally believe that inhaling anything else that isn’t fresh air can be hazardous to your health. But it’s a lot healthier than cigarettes and shisha, that’s for sure.”
He explained that the nicotine found in vaping devices is the pharmaceutical variant of nicotine, chemically filtered and diluted.
“It’s not like cigarettes. The liquid only has three chemicals in it: propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and nicotine. You can make your own brews at home, basically.
…
It has become a sub-culture of sorts locally among Malaysian youth, with enthusiasts gathering online and most tellingly in vaping conventions to discuss the hobby and swap stories and tips about vape “e-juices” (flavours), device “mods” (modifications), and the culture in general.
One of the largest local conventions, VapeCon 2015, was held in April at The Strand in Kota Damansara. The convention had over 80 vendors in attendance, and drew 35,000 visitors.
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/08/26/vaping-not-as-bad-as-made-out-to-be/
—
Malaysian Insider
Study on e-cigarettes to be completed next year
A study on e-cigarette addiction conducted by the Institute of Respiratory Medicine (IPR) since 2013 is expected to be completed early next year.
According to IPR’s senior medical consultant, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Abdul Muttalif, the research, currently in the preliminary epidemiology stage, required more time for in-depth study on solid evidence.
“The e-cigarrette issue is controversial, there are pros and cons. We have to wait for the outcome and will also obtain information from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which might take a long time, the latest by next year.
“We have gone through numbers of papers on e-cigarette published by different bodies, societies and scientific papers throughout the world.
“Some of them agreed that e-cigarette should be banned and there are also findings that it should be controlled,” he told Bernama recently.
…
“The major concern now is that many people misuse the device by adding drugs such as marijuana and heroin, which will do more harm to the body and this will be very difficult for the authorised bodies to control,” he said.
—
AstroAWANI
E-cigarettes in Malaysia, here’s what you should know
Astro Awani | 
August 05, 2015 10:47 MYT
A survey found that 75 per cent of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) users have switched to this device as an alternative to regular cigarettes.
…
—
10 August 2015
biotechin.asia
Malaysia: No ban on e-cigarettes
Despite the controversy surrounding e-cigarettes (read more here), the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems won’t be banned in Malaysia. National Institute of Respiratory Medicine director Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Muttalif says e-cigs are legal – for now.
The Government won’t follow in the footsteps of neighbours like Brunei, Singapore, and Thailand in banning e-cigs but it would look at how to effectively regulate the industry instead, he says.
“We are aware that some people have misused the devices to do drugs but there are no plans for the Government to ban vaping. There are many e-cig users who say that these devices are helpful for them to quit smoking. The Health Ministry wants to regulate e-cigs but there’s a need to look at various other studies and see what the global community is doing. We cannot be rash,” he explains.
In 2013, the ministry had ordered a study on the side effects of e-cigs and shisha before deciding whether to regulate or ban them. The technical committee, which handed over its report to the Health Ministry three months ago, was chaired by Dr Abdul Razak. He says regulating the industry is not easy because e-cig users, known as vapers, are buying their devices and juices online.
“It’s also quite a challenge because the regulations have to cover two components: the electronic device and the liquids,” he adds, when commenting on the results from a recent online poll of smokers’ views on alternatives to conventional cigarettes.
http://biotechin.asia/2015/08/10/no-ban-on-e-cigarettes/
—
Malay Mail Online
Cops crack down on electronic cigarettes, say can’t sell or promote any drug-laced liquids
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — The Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM) today warned against the sale of drug-infused liquids used in electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, as doing so is illegal and could land those who sell or even promote its use in trouble with the law.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said in a statement that promoting, bidding or selling the liquid containing a banned substance is an offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“PDRM would like to warn any party that tries to promote, bid on or sell flavoured liquids that contain any kind of drug and banned substance that is against the law, to be used in e-cigarettes, can be charged under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” Mokhtar said in a statement today.
He also encouraged the public to step forward with any information should they come across retailers selling drug-flavoured e-cigarette liquid refills.
According to local broadcaster Astro Awani, the NCID director also said on Monday that a special police investigation team will be formed to probe the sale and usage of marijuana-flavoured e-cigarettes.
This comes after an official with the National Anti-Drug Agency told local news portal The Rakyat Post last Tuesday that there is growing concern about e-cigarette users refilling their devices with liquid marijuana, liquid ketamine, poppy extracts or even ketum juice.
—
Malaysia News themmailonline: Switch smokers to e–cigarettes, advise British health experts http://bit.ly/1USpMSf
LONDON, Aug 19 — E-cigarettes should be prescribed to smokers to help them quit the habit, British public health experts recommended in a study today.
The study commissioned by health authority Public Health England (PHE) found that so-called “vaping” electronic cigarettes was 95 per cent less dangerous than smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes.
The battery-powered devices, which simulate the feeling of smoking but with nicotine inhaled in a vapour, could be a “game changer in public health,” according to study co-author Professor Ann McNeill of King’s College London.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England, accounting for over 80,000 a year, according to the National Health Service. Just under one in five of Britain’s population smoke.
“Smoking remains England’s number one killer and the best thing a smoker can do is to quit completely,” said Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and well-being at PHE.
“E-cigarettes are not completely risk-free but when compared to smoking, evidence shows they carry just a fraction of the harm.”
—
Research and analysis
E-cigarettes: an evidence update
E-cigarettes are 95% less harmful to your health than normal cigarettes. When supported by a smoking cessation service, they help most smokers to quit tobacco altogether.
Documents
Detail
This review explains the relative risks and benefits of e-cigarettes, in terms of harm reduction when compared with cigarettes and as an aid to quitting.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/e-cigarettes-an-evidence-update
—
weehingthong 
Pingback: E-cigarettes: Banned in Singapore | weehingthong
Pingback: The ‘Uncle Maniam’ flavoured vape liquid: Trolling Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam. | weehingthong
Pingback: Kids: If you can vape, so can we. | weehingthong
Pingback: A right royal rebuke of Ikhlas president over vape ban by the Sultan of Johor: | weehingthong