CAP questions vape policy as health costs reach RM369 million
CAP urges a nationwide vape ban, citing RM369 million annual health costs that exceed revenue from vape excise duty.Summary
The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has called for an immediate nationwide ban on vape products, arguing that Malaysia’s annual health costs from vaping—estimated at RM369 million—far exceed the excise duty revenue generated from these items. CAP’s education officer, N.V. Subbarow, highlighted that the money spent on treating vape‑related illnesses could instead fund public‑health education and prevention programmes. He urged the Ministry of Health to act without waiting for further scientific evidence, noting that several other countries have already banned e‑cigarettes to protect younger generations. While the Ministry has announced plans to tighten controls on high‑risk smoking products and is evaluating a ban on bottled vape liquids, it maintains that any nationwide ban will be based on scientific evidence and broader public‑health considerations. For now, the government prioritises implementing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which regulates all smoking products, including vape devices.
(Source：The Vibes)
