Updated 1 November 2024
The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) does not appear to have a website, but it is listed on its Facebook page as a non-governmental organization with members consisting of electronic cigarette sellers and wholesalers.[1] MRECA has been active since March 2019.
Since 2019, MRECA – with its president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas as spokesperson – has publicly recommended the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems to reduce the number of cigarette smokers in the country, incorrectly claiming that these electronic products are safer[2] and different from regular cigarettes.[3] MRECA supports the regulation of vape products and hailed the removal of nicotine from the Malaysia’s Poisons Act as a progressive measure,[4],[5] but opposes high taxes on vape products.[6]
In 2022, MRECA expressed opposition to the ban of vape sales to individuals born from 2005 onwards, stating that the local vape industry – which consists primarily of Malaysia’s Malay Muslim majority – would suffer.[7] Datuk Adzwan also stated that Malaysia is a leading vape producer globally and the industry would attract local and foreign investors. MRECA lobbied for vape industry players to be a part of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Health, Science, and Innovation, which was tasked to review Malaysia’s tobacco and smoking control bill.[8]
In 2024, MRECA and other similar associations have opposed various regulations in the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, including the display ban of vape products at points of sale.[9]
[1] Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association, https://www.facebook.com/malaysiaretailelectronicciggaretteassociation/
[2] Govt could rake in RM300m from vape tax, https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/11/27/govt-could-rake-in-rm300m-from-vape-tax/
[3] Vape sellers in limbo due to delayed rules, says association, https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/04/26/vape-sellers-in-limbo-due-to-delayed-rules-says-association/
[4] MRECA welcomes govt’s move to regulate vape products, https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/03/894287/mreca-welcomes-govts-move-regulate-vape-products
[5] Exemption of vape liquids containing nicotine under Poisons Act vital to regulate industry, https://focusmalaysia.my/exemption-of-vape-liquids-containing-nicotine-under-poisons-act-vital-to-regulate-industry/#google_vignette
[6] MRECA: Be Sensible in Vape Taxation, https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2023/02/23/mrec-be-sensible-in-vape-taxation/
[7] MEVTA, MRECA urges the govt to review cigarette ban, https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/07/815493/mevta-mreca-urges-govt-review-cigarette-ban
[8] Give opportunity for local vape players to view vape bill, says MRECA, https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/04/789097/give-opportunity-local-vape-players-view-vape-bill-says-mreca
[9] Vape industry leaders want PM Anwar to halt new regulations and give industry more time for transition https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/23/vape-industry-leaders-want-pm-anwar-to-halt-new-regulations-and-give-industry-more-time-for-transition/151417#google_vignette
Updated 3 November 2024