A vape distributor closed in Kuala Lumpur following the intervention of health authorities
A shopping center in Kuala Lumpur recently deactivated a vape vending machine, after a visit from health authorities prompted by the viral spread of the case on social networks.
The Tobacco Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 (Law 852), which regulates cigarettes, tobacco products as well as vapes and electronic cigarettes, is not yet implemented because the related regulations are still in progress. writing course. On the other hand, the 2004 regulations on the control of tobacco products, under the 1983 food law, only concern tobacco products and not vapes or tobacco-free electronic cigarettes.
Section 10 of the 2004 Regulations prohibits the establishment of vending machines for “tobacco products”. In response to this specific complaint, the Ministry of Health (MOH) met with the management of the mall concerned to explain the ban on sales via vending machines. The ministry also advised the management to immediately close the ATM as a sign of social responsibility, which they agreed and did.
The Ministry of Health indicated that Article 10 of Law 852 restricts the sale and display of all tobacco products. Regulations regarding sales restrictions, including banning vending machines, are currently being drafted and will be implemented in conjunction with Law 852 upon approval.
Last Wednesday, Boo Su-Lyn, editor-in-chief of CodeBlue, posted photos on X of a vape vending machine in a Kuala Lumpur shopping mall, offering disposable nicotine vapes. This vending machine had no age verification feature, allowing customers to purchase products simply via card or e-wallet. In Malaysia, e-wallets like GrabPay can be used by anyone, regardless of age.
Since the approval of Law 852 by Parliament last December, nicotine vapes can legally be sold and purchased by anyone in the country, including minors under the age of 18, since the former Minister of Health, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, signed an executive order on March 31, 2023 to remove liquid nicotine from the list of controlled substances under the Poisons Act of 1952.
