KUALA LUMPUR: Local vape industry players are urging the government to review the Generation End Game (GEG) policy, which would see a vaping ban for anyone born after 2007.
Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) secretary general Ridhwan Rosli, who was present with industry representatives in an engagement session with health minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently, said there was shared information about the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.
He said the policy currently being tabled in Parliament would see the vape industry finally being regulated.
"This is something that the local industry players welcome," he said in a statement.
He said Khairy also gave the government's view and position regarding GEG, which would ban vaping just like cigarettes for anyone born after 2007.
"After discussing it with several parties in the industry, we believe this policy needs to be reviewed.
"This is especially in terms of its implementation, as it involves the impact on the vape industry, which local entrepreneurs developed," Ridhwan said.
Malaysian Vaping Movement founder Ibrahim Morni, an activist group from the vape industry, said that many in the industry fully support the implementation of vape regulations.
"What we want are rules to regulate. The GEG policy is quite drastic because it bans the vape industry in the future.
"We urge that regulations are introduced first, and meanwhile, the decision regarding GEG for the vape industry be reviewed.
"I believe the vape industry in Malaysia needs to be given proper recognition instead of being slowly banned," he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA) also recommends that the government review GEG for vaping.
MVIA president Rizani Zakari said the ban should be reviewed as the policy cannot be implemented in haste, as many are confused about the policy.
"The Ministry of Health (MoH) has said that GEG is to end smoking prevalence and to prevent a new generation from smoking.
"Generally, smoking is not defined as using vape, and therefore, many believe that the GEG policy does not involve vape.
"Only recently, the health minister has said that GEG also bans vaping in the future and cannot be sold to anyone born after 2007," said Rizani.
He said many who did not attend the engagement session with Khairy recently do not agree with the GEG policy, especially small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the vape industry.
"This matter needs to be reviewed because it will have an impact on local entrepreneurs," Rizani said.