KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): A majority of Malaysians, representing 80%, want the government to take more action to regulate the vaping industry of Malaysia.

A poll titled Malaysian Insights & Perspectives on Vape commissioned by the Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA) and conducted by market research firm Green Zebras released yesterday showed that 76% of respondents agree that the Malaysian economy would benefit from regulations of vaping products.

Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy president Rizani Zakaria said the opinion poll shows most Malaysians want regulations of vape products.

He said oficial reports from the Ministry of Health (MoH) indicate that there are over one million vapers in Malaysia and yet there are no regulations in place, leaving consumers no choice but to use unregulated products.

“Recent reports from local industry groups already confirmed that the vape industry has significant potential to contribute to the Malaysian economy with capabilities to create jobs, develop existing businesses and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) within the industry, and attract investments.

“This is a fact that cannot be ignored, and the government must act quickly to introduce regulations of vape products,” he said.

The poll also saw 87% of Malaysians agreeing that tax should be imposed on vaping products and 74% think the revenue collected could be spent by the government on areas of importance, such as education and the economy.

Rizani said the implementation of excise tax on vape products since earlier this year is a step in the right direction towards regulating the industry.

He said many also agree that tax should be imposed on vape products as the revenue collected can be put to good use.

“However, the current excise taxation structure does not include vape e-liquid containing nicotine, which makes up the majority of the local market. This inevitably means that revenue collection will not be maximised, and the implementation of excise duties will be ineffective.”

“The government should expand the tax structure to include vape e-liquid containing nicotine and introduce clear regulations for this product. That way, the government can maximise revenue collection and at the same time ensure consumers are using regulated products in Malaysia,” he concluded.

The survey consisted of a sample size of 1,025 Malaysian adults and is reflective of the perception of all Malaysian adults nationwide.