Pro-vaping groups have urged all state governments to postpone any ban on the industry pending a federal government study on regulations for sale of vape devices and flavoured liquids.

The Malaysian Organisation for Vape Entity (Move) secretary Syamsul Reza Mohd Mokhtar told Malaysiakini that there is an ongoing cooperation with the relevant ministries to come up with the necessary regulations.

“We respect that states have powers to implement the ban but there is nothing to lose in waiting for the regulations to be enforced.

“On the other hand, think of the affected retailers. They could potentially lose all their investments when given such a short notice to cease operations,” said Syamsul Reza in response to the Kelantan state government’s decision to stop issuing vape licences effective Jan 1.

Kelantan is the second state after Johor that has banned the sale of vape, citing health concerns as being one of the primary considerations.

Malaysia Vapourisers and Tobacco Alternative Association (Mevta) vice-president Iqbal Zakaria, meanwhile, told Malaysiakini that concerns related to vaping should instead be treated as a national issue.

“The government has agreed to regulate the industry instead of to ban vape.

“We understand that the states have their own jurisdiction but maybe in this case, it is advisable for them to follow what the federal government is doing,” said Iqbal.

Iqbal also echoed Move’s stand that cracking down on the vape industry on short notice would cause massive losses to retailers.

Bernama yesterday quoted Kelantan branch Malay Vape Traders Association (PPVM) president Mohd Azlee Che Mohd Zaid as saying he expected that more than 350 vape traders in the state would lose about RM50 million if their premises were shut down after the ban is enforced.

“This is because the capital invested to open a shop exceeds RM200,000. Traders also need time to recoup their capital and to find other business opportunities,” he reportedly said, before handing over a memorandum on the matter to state health exco member Abdul Fatah Mahmood.

All vape traders were reportedly given two weeks' notice to vacate their premises or risk stern action.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam had last month said the government is looking at enacting new laws to regulate the vape industry.

Aside from the Health Ministry, it was reported that the ongoing study also involved the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism Ministry, as well as the Finance Ministry.

Industry players had previously urged the government to enact a single law that can address all issues related to the vape industry.