Malaysia’s Vape Ban: A Gift to Criminals, a Blow to Public Health | DagangNews - Berita Bisnes Anda
Malaysia’s proposed vape ban is counterproductive, likely to empower criminals and push consumers towards dangerous, unregulated products instead of improving public health.Summary
The proposed full-scale ban on vaping products in Malaysia, justified by concerns over misuse with illicit drugs, is argued to be a misguided approach. Rather than addressing the source of the problem – the black market supplying illegal substances – the ban targets the legal vape market, potentially driving consumers to unregulated and dangerous alternatives. Experiences from Thailand and Singapore demonstrate that prohibition doesn’t eliminate demand but instead fuels a thriving black market with increased risks of counterfeit products and even drug-laced devices. The article advocates for a harm-reduction approach, emphasizing the full implementation and enforcement of existing regulations (Act 852) to ensure product standards, age verification, and focus on genuinely illegal substances, ultimately offering a more effective path to public health than outright prohibition.
(Source：DagangNews)
