N EWS reports on accidents related to electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have come as no surprise to me at all.
Without any control on these devices in Malaysia, it is an accident waiting to happen.
Currently, regulation here is self-imposed by either the users, distributors or those directly and indirectly affected by their presence, such as food and beverage establishments and schools.
As a result, there is no control on the e-cigarette device or its accompanying flavoured liquid contents. Accidents involving individuals and vaping devices have occurred, with cases of devices blowing up and injuring users.
There were also news stories of fires in cars or at homes when these devices exploded while being charged.
One possible reason may be that the quality of the
vaping devices is suspect.
There is no law prohibiting the sale of poor quality e-cigarettes.
One wonders, in light of the recent incident, had this device resulted in the plane catching fire, who would be held responsible?
Would it be the user whose device caught fire; the manufacturer of the device; or would the airlines be blamed for not taking pre-emptive measures?
How would insurance companies deal with such a claim?
Whether Malaysia decides to ban or regulate, action must be taken and it must be taken now.
n DR AMER SIDDIQ AMER NORDIN, Kuala Lumpur