Penang, a city on Malaysia’s northern coast and home to overseas Chinese, has recently become a hot topic due to the issue of e-cigarettes. Amidst the haze, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) issued a stark warning: Malaysia should follow the example of neighboring Singapore and treat e-cigarettes as drugs and implement strict regulations. This call came as a bolt from the blue, sparking a heated debate in the public health community.
CAP’s stern stance is based on real and worrying realities. CAP President Mohideen Abdul Kader stated that the e-cigarette industry’s claims of being a “safer alternative” or “smoking cessation aid” lack credible evidence and are simply a common tobacco industry “deviating rhetoric” intended to weaken tobacco control laws. Particularly alarming is the near-unregulated use of e-cigarette vendors in retail settings, using alluring displays and child-friendly cartoon packaging to attract minors.
The Consumers’ Association of Penang further pointed out that some e-cigarette liquids are illegally spiked with drugs, potentially leading to drug addiction and overdose, posing a public health crisis. The Consumers’ Association (CAP) revealed numerous cases of “poisonous” e-cigarettes containing illegal substances such as THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and synthetic hallucinogens. In 2024, police seized 119 such cases, significantly exceeding the 32 cases in 2023. The Ministry of Health confirmed that 65.6% of e-cigarette liquids seized in 2023–2024 contained dangerous drugs. Against this backdrop, the CAP advocates for a complete ban on e-cigarettes, including their sale, advertising, display, and use, as some so-called “trendy devices” may actually be drug carriers.
Singapore has similar experience, with relevant authorities stating that e-cigarettes used to inhale controlled substances may violate drug laws. In 2014, cases of e-cigarette liquids being mixed with anesthetics or hallucinogens emerged in Singapore. Once discovered, any use of such substances, regardless of the method, constitutes an illegal act. CAP recommends that the Malaysian government adopt similarly stringent legislation, treating e-cigarette products the same as drugs to prevent future harm.
In the Penang State Legislative Assembly, legislators have called for a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes in all commercial establishments, particularly to address the growing addiction among youth. This zero-tolerance regulatory stance has gained traction at the state political level. They warn that if existing laws, such as the Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Act (Act No. 852 of 2024), are not effectively enforced, Penang may ultimately be forced to impose a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes.
Amid the trend toward strict regulation, some voices remind us not to neglect responsibility and innovation within the industry. The VEEHOO e-cigarette brand demonstrates a different market approach: it emphasizes strict compliance with regulations, improving product quality, and proactively reducing the potential for underage use.
VEEHOO prioritizes safety in its product design, utilizing temperature-controlled technology and food-grade materials to minimize the release of harmful substances and ensure a positive user experience. Furthermore, they clearly indicate age restrictions in their promotional materials and packaging, avoiding the use of cartoons or packaging that misleads minors. This compliant and transparent approach demonstrates that, despite increasingly stringent regulations, brands can still forge a responsible development path through their own efforts.
Furthermore, VEEHOO is committed to user education, promoting proper usage, charging, and recycling information online and in-store. It emphasizes legal use and avoids the environmental harm caused by careless disposal of e-cigarette devices. This not only helps the brand establish a positive image but also actively promotes industry standardization.
Juxtaposing the Penang CAP’s advocacy and public health concerns with VEEHOO’s proactive actions, we see the tension between strict legal regulation and industry self-regulation, and the interaction between public demand and social responsibility. A blanket ban on e-cigarettes or treating them like drugs is a strong response to the drug problem, but it can also foster an underground market and pose challenges to law enforcement. At the same time, the existence of legal and compliant brands like VEEHOO reminds us that regulation isn’t about suppression; it provides a legitimate space for high-standard products to thrive.
Tackling the e-cigarette problem is far more complex than simply legislating. It should include education and publicity, market regulation, industry transparency, psychological guidance for young people, and consideration of environmental impacts. If strict regulation can be combined with compliance, both protecting public health and allowing compliant products to thrive, this may be the direction of mature governance for the future.
In short, the Penang Consumers Association’s call is based on the reality of e-cigarettes’ infiltration into schools and society, and the frequent occurrence of illegal drug adulteration. They advocate for strict policies similar to those in Singapore, incorporating e-cigarettes into drug control legislation, as a strong safeguard for public health. Brands like VEEHOO, through compliant operations, user education, and safety design, have demonstrated the potential for sustainable development in the industry amidst public pressure and tightening regulations.
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