By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, May 12 — Local e-cigarette producer Nanostix Innovations Sdn Bhd has asked the government to ban foreign e-cigarette liquid as a stricter enforcement move.
Its CEO Shahabudeen Jalil said the measure would be to ensure only products that meet quality and safety standards are offered to local consumers.
“This import block could also control the surplus of unregistered products in the market and give space to local producers to follow the rules and expand more responsibly.
“This is in line with the government’s aim to strengthen enforcement and protect public health, especially for youth, who are increasingly exposed to electronic cigarette use,” he said in a statement today.
Shahabudeen added that his company takes seriously suggestions from several states to ban e-cigarette sales, even though the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024
He said banning e-cigarette sales will only weaken the industry and feed the black market.
“Nanostix is also of the view that the real issue needing attention is the misuse of electronic cigarettes by irresponsible parties that bring or smuggle in contraband such as ‘vape magic mushroom’ to Malaysia.
“That contraband is even sold openly on social media by irresponsible parties, and they’re not products sold by registered local companies,” he said.
Last month, the Selangor government announced it would study a suggestion to ban e-cigarette sales.
Previously, the Terengganu government blocked e-cigarette sales statewide, effective August 1.
Similarly, the Johor government has banned and blocked sales licences for e-cigarettes from January 1, 2016, and enforces legislation against vaping. Traders found selling these devices face legal action.
Earlier, Deputy Inspector-General Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay reportedly said state administrations can ban the sale of e-cigarettes, which could lead to the abuse of new synthetic drugs.
