PETALING JAYA: A vaping association wants the government to revise the Poisons Act 1952 which regulates e-cigarette selling.
Describing the act as "obsolete", Malaysia E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) president Allan Foo said the Health Ministry (MOH) should work towards regulating the industry instead of driving it underground.
"Mevta understands that the MOH is only doing its job by enforcing the Poisons Act 1952, which specifies that only licensed pharmacists are allowed to dispense nicotine products.
"However, we believe that it was not fair for the ministry to conduct raids and seize nicotine-laced e-juice from vape shops nationwide without giving a grace period to the industry.
"Moreover, the act they enforced is obsolete as back at the time it was introduced, less was known about the dangers of conventional cigarette smoking," he said.
Foo spoke to reporters during a press conference held by Mevta in Bandar Sri Damansara, here, earlier today.
He said the ministry's law enforcement exercise might also make the situation worse for 'vapers', as unregulated e-juice brewers and sellers would be forced to take their business "underground" (into the black market).
"This is what we are worried about, and also the reason why Mevta has been trying to work with MOH in regulating the vape industry.
"Currently, unregulated e-juice brewers just add their own mixture to produce the liquid and sell them to the public.
"If the government regulates the industry and set a standard for e-juice and vape device, the public can choose products that are safe for their consumption.
"But now, with MOH raids, brewers and nicotine-laced e-juice sellers will take their business underground.
"They will be selling non-standard liquids, and vapers who want nicotine-laced products will make purchases without questioning what they are buying, which can be hazardous to their health."
Foo said Mevta was open to holding discussions with MOH towards resolving the issue.
Mevta also offered their help to relevant government agencies in setting a standard for the vaping industry.