Give Us a Break! Vape Manufacturers in Putrajaya, Malaysia Speak Out

Current regulations are hitting the industry hard, and 70% of vape shops have closed, according to Malaysian vape manufacturers and retailers.

The Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Ikhlas) has urged Putrajaya to form a task force to review its policies and restrictions on vaping.

"The task force should also include Ikhlas members as well as representatives from the vape industry, so that we can put forward our recommendations," said the association's president, Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah.

Ridzuan said the regulations and rules currently enforced by Putrajaya are hindering the development of the local vape industry, adding that 70% of vape shops have closed since the beginning of this year.

Among the issues raised by Ridzuan is the sale of nicotine e-liquid for e-cigarettes, which under the Poisons Act 1952 may only be sold by licensed pharmacists and registered medical practitioners.

"We do not agree with this. For us, it is very difficult to obtain a pharmaceutical license.

"If the government still decides to make it mandatory for retailers to have a pharmaceutical license in order to sell and manufacture e-liquid for vaping devices, it will be extremely difficult for all of us. Many shops will close," he said.

Meanwhile, local vape entrepreneur representative Adzwan Abu Mamas said the Poisons Act is outdated, considering that it was enacted in 1952.

"The real question is whether they have carried out sufficient research on vaping?"

In August this year, the Malaysian E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternatives Association (Mevta) revealed that there are currently 150 vape outlets in Malaysia, down from 600 last year.

Mevta said the industry is shrinking for several reasons, including government restrictions and negative perceptions that have led to vaping being banned in some states, including Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah.

A year ago, the market size of the vape industry was estimated at RM2 billion, but it is now believed to have fallen to RM600 million.

Ridzuan said Ikhlas will soon submit a memorandum to the prime minister listing the issues faced by the vaping industry.