Background
The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) was established in 2015, with a focus on helping the Malaysian vape industry become more competitive. In additional to conducting awareness-raising campaigns, community events, and training sessions for its members, the MVCC also engages with government agencies to promote its pro-vaping interests.[1]
The MVCC’s president is Syed Azaudin Syed Ahmad. Around 1800 registered Malaysian companies at various stages of the vape industry’s supply chain make up the MVCC’s membership.[2]
To protect the interests of vapers and the vape industry, the MVCC has constantly opposed an outright ban, expressing support for the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) instead. To this end, the MVCC has made several pro-vape arguments and proposals:
- Advocating for the regulated sale of vape liquids (with nicotine levels not exceeding 5% of the total liquid content) to consumers.[3]
- Objecting to a vape ban by stating that: 1) enforcement of any such law would have a negative economic impact on over 5,000 businesses including the MVCC’s members,[4] and 2) a ban would fuel the existence of a black market for the sale of unregulated vape products.2
- Requesting that the government hold comprehensive consultation sessions with stakeholders from the vape industry before introducing any tobacco control legislation.[5]
- Protesting the stricter enforcement measures for physical vape stores compared to online vape sellers. The MVCC requested that the government establish stricter regulations for online vape product merchants, after physical stores were raided and found to be selling vape products to minors.[6]
The MVCC and the Malaysia E-Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association (MEVTA) collaborated to launch a nationwide campaign in response to the regulation of vaping by the government (#vapeterkawal) in 2019. The campaign aimed to unite vape industry stakeholders in a public declaration of support for regulation instead of a ban. More than 20,000 consumers and vape industry players participated in the event. MEVTA and MVCC pledged to raise national awareness among industry stakeholders about the need to be proactive in curbing underage smoking.[7],[8]
[1] Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce. About us (internet). Available at: https://vapemalaysia.org/
[2] Ban on e-cigarette will dent 70pc retailers, entrepreneurs. New Straits Times, 15 September 2019. Available at: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2019/09/521611/ban-e-cigarette-will-dent-70pc-retailers-entrepreneurs
[3] MVCC hopes new act to regulate vape industry. New Straits Times, 6 October 2019. Available at: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2019/10/527448/mvcc-hopes-new-act-regulate-vape-industry
[4] Aziz A. Don’t ban vape, allow nicotine sales, say traders. The Malaysian Reserve, 7 October 2019. Available at: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/10/07/dont-ban-vape-allow-nicotine-sales-say-traders/
[5] Include us in drafting laws on vaping, urge industry players. The Star, 7 October 2019. Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/07/include-us-in-drafting-laws-on-vaping-urge-industry-players
[6] Chung C. E-cig and vape groups urge govt to set regulations for industry. The Star, 28 August 2019. Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/28/e-cig-and-vape-groups-urge-govt-to-set-regulations-for-industry
[7] Arumugam T. Govt urged to regulate vape industry. New Straits Times, 1 December 2019. Available at: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/12/543710/govt-urged-regulate-vape-industry
[8] Loo C. Vape industry groups call for inclusion in discussions to regulate vape
. The Sun Daily, 1 December 2019. Available at: https://www.thesundaily.my/local/vape-industry-groups-call-for-inclusion-in-discussions-to-regulate-vape-BH1687276