Malay vape retailers are pleading that Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar reconsiders the vape ban in the state, since it involves more than 500 workers.

Pertubuhan Peniaga Vape Melayu vice chairperson Mohd Shahrul Nizam Abdul Manap expressed hope that the Johor ruler would reconsider his decree in light of the 100 vape retailers in Johor.

Shahrul added that owners of vape shops in the state are also mostly tied to two-year rent agreeements.

“We really hope that his highness would deliberate on the matter,” he told Malaysiakini.

“We are confident that the sultan, who has the rakyat’s interests in mind, would consider the plight of the Johoreans,” he said.

This comes after Malaysia E- Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) pleaded with authorities to hear the group out before imposing a ban on vaping.

The group’s request comes after Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar reportedly decreed that vaping be banned in the state. The monarch also gave outlets one month to close their business.

“We plead that the relevant authorities hear us out before imposing any form of a blanket ban...

“(There) are many misconceptions about e-cigarettes and vaping, which are pre-dominantly negative, of which we would like to clear and rectify to the government, and also to the public at large,” Mevta said.

It said this in a statement published on its Facebook page.

Not a racial issue

The association which represents the country’s e-cigarette and vaping industry, however. said that it respected the wishes and “genuine concern” of the Johor ruler towards the people of Johor.

“We strongly agree with him that the issue should not be made into a racial issue. Our association is a proud multi-ethnic association that spans across all ethnicities in Malaysia.

“Mevta has always respected the laws of this country, whether at the state or federal level and is always open for all forms of co-operation, dialogue, and consultation with authoritative bodies be it with the palace, federal or state Governments,” the group said.

Another major vape industry association Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (Move) declined to comment, when contacted.

MEDIA STATEMENT 29th NOVEMBER 2015 BY MEVTA:In light of the recent “ROYAL DECREE” of DYMM Baginda Sultan Ibrahim...

Posted by MEVTA on Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Johor sultan in an interview with The Star was reported as saying there should be no excuses against a vape ban and that the matter should not be politicised or turned into a racial issue.

According to the report, the sultan has ordered the state exco to meet next week to ensure the ban is implemented swiftly. The state exco said it will study the decree.

The sultan explained the state government can exercise its right to invoke bylaws under the local government laws to enforce the ban.

Meanwhile, Mevta pointed out while new regulations and laws may take time to come into effect, effort of advocating and promoting the same was well on its way.

“Henceforth, Mevta will be working closely to support our association members in Johor and all around the country during these uncertain times.

“We would like to once again reiterate that we respect his highness’ concerns, and hope to seek an audience with anyone who is willing to listen to us.”

The Health Ministry is cracking down on vape retailers who sell vape juices – the liquid that is vapourised and inhaled – laced with nicotine.

While there is no official standard, most vape juices contain nicotine of up to 16 mg per 10ml bottle.

The Poisons Act states that only licensed professionals like pharmacists can sell liquid nicotine.

Additional reporting by Alyaa Alhadjri

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