An 18-year age limit for e-cigarettes may not be remarkable, but is mostly common sense from a Western perspective. But coupled with severe volume restrictions on 1TP8 liquids, it will change the entire industry in Malaysia.
Malaysia's vejp industry is large. It is valued at RM 4.13 billion (Ringgit Malaysia, the official currency and equivalent to about SEK 9.8 billion) and faces major changes when the new law, "Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act", will enter into force on 1 October. The law prohibits the sale, purchase and services related to tobacco products and substitutes, including e-cigarettes, to persons under 18 years of age.
Although the industry has expressed its support for protecting minors, actors such as Malaysian Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (Mreca) criticised the lack of dialogue during the drafting of the law.
"We agree that we need to protect children. But we were only called to one industry meeting, and then they went straight to a briefing on the law. It feels like they are just doing what they want." Adzwan Manas, chairman of Mreca, told local newspaper The Sun.
Strict rules on volume restrictions
The new law also limits the volume of 1TP8 liquids, reducing the size of bottles to 15 ml and disposable products to 3 ml, which is a sharp reduction compared to current standards. This has led to concerns in the industry, with smaller operators risking financial difficulties.
Joshua Eric John, Chief Operating Officer of The Garden Vape, predicts a drop in revenue of up to 40 % due to the new rules. Companies will either have to repackage their stocks or sell them at discounted prices to comply with the legislation.
"If they give us some time, maybe one or two years, that's fine. It's actually a good idea, but we need more time and more discussion." John told The Sun.
No plan for a total ban
Meanwhile, the country's Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, stresses that Malaysia will not follow the example of other countries in completely banning e-cigarettes. He explained to the Star online newspaper that Malaysia's regulation is already comprehensive and sufficient.
"We do not need to take examples from other countries. While drafting the legislation, we took inspiration and best practices from around the world. But now we have our own independent law, which is comprehensive enough to address the challenges of tobacco control." Dzulkefly was quoted as saying at a press conference.
Prohibition in the Maldives
The Maldives, in the same part of the world, recently became the latest country to ban e-cigarettes, starting on 15 November this year, after President Mohamed Muizzu ordered a ban on the import of vejp products. The ban will also be extended to the sale, use and possession of e-cigarettes from 15 December. However, Malaysia is choosing to focus on the implementation of the new law rather than imposing a total ban.
The future of the industry
The future of industry in Malaysia now hinges on how companies adapt to the new rules. While the government is working to ensure public health, industry representatives warn that many small and medium-sized businesses may be forced to close due to increased costs of adaptation and stock losses.
According to 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey 4.8 million adult Malaysians regularly use tobacco, a figure that also includes the use of tobacco-free products such as e-cigarettes.
