GEORGE TOWN, October 6 — The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has praised the Malaysian government for implementing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which takes effect on October 1. This move comes despite pressure from the vape industry, with over 2,000 traders urging amendments that would favor their commercial interests. CAP emphasizes that the government’s focus on public health over the vape industry’s profits aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
CAP further highlighted concerns about the rising use of vapes among teenagers, citing a National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) report showing an increase from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022 among Malaysian youth aged 13 to 17. With potential healthcare costs expected to surpass any revenue from vape taxes, CAP is urging the government to remain steadfast in its commitment to public health and reject the vape industry’s calls for leniency.
