KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — The authorities must take strict action against traders who sell vape or electronic cigarettes in the form of stationery, urged a non-governmental organisation.
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob said the tactic used by smoking device dealers targeting school students not only attracted teenagers and children but also confused several parties including teachers, parents, and guardians.
“MCPF considers the tactics of selling vapes and electronic cigarettes in stationery form as influencing students to bring them to school, which indirectly increases unhealthy and harmful habits among teenagers and children.
“Selling these devices openly online and in gadget stores makes it easier for students to buy them, thus making monitoring by the authorities difficult,” he said in a statement today.
The action by the traders violated several laws such as the Copyright Act 1987, the Patents (Amendment) Act 2022 and the Guidelines to Prevent False or Misleading Advertisements, as well as hampered the government’s efforts to reduce the dependence on teenagers or students on smoking products including vaping.
This was despite the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 being enforced on October 1.
Ayub said the MCPF has also urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to conduct raids on traders selling smoking devices in misleading forms and labels.
“MCPF also suggested the Health Ministry to draw up a specific regulation against the sale of smoking products that can attract the interest of teenagers and children,” he said.
— Bernama
