KUCHING: People seem to be all for the idea of strictly regulating vape and electronic cigarettes which may be implemented next month by the Health Ministry.
Some of them feel it is necessary to do so as the growing popularity of vaping especially among the younger generation is alarming.
Others feel such measures should be taken to not only improve but also protect public health.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to the public to get their opinion on the probable implementation of such regulation.
AMANDA HANNAH JEMAT, 29, ENGINEER
Personally, its implementation is necessary to ensure vape users comply with the rules. I have seen situations where some of them vape unaware there may be children or babies around, and that would pose a health hazard to them. The type of regulation I expect to see being implemented is age inspection before purchase and as with regular smoking to do so outside of eatery premises. But I feel the implementation would not affect the vape and electronic cigarette industry, as the demand will always be there.
KENTIGERN MINGGU, 29, WRITER
Regulations on vape and electronic cigarettes can be seen as a positive step, especially if it aligns with the guidance of medical experts. I would honestly expect the implementation of regulations that focus on several key areas, which includes stricter age verification processes, clearer labelling and health warnings on products, limits on nicotine content and others.
The implementation would surely affect the vape industry because the regulations could lead to increased compliance costs for manufacturers and retailers. At the same time, the implementation might encourage people to be more aware of the health choices, as it could prompt individuals to consider healthier lifestyle alternatives and make informed decisions about their well-being.
ERNI ZUNATASHA ROSLI, 24, TEACHER
Stricter regulation on the usage of vape and electronic cigarettes can limit the appeal and accessibility of these products, especially to younger generation, and establishing clear regulations will ensure consistency across the market, making it easier to monitor and control the product quality and safety.
Some of the regulations I would like to see being implemented are the ones related to age restriction and taxation, namely, strict enforcement of age limit to prevent minors from purchasing vaping products and imposing taxes on vaping products to discourage use and generate revenue for public health initiatives.
MUHAMMAD ZULFIKAR, 30, CREATIVE PRODUCER
“To me, the implementation is crucial in order to ensure financial security and healthy lifestyles in the community. The implementation would surely affect the industry but I believe we ought to make a firm decision on the issue. The government should provide incentives or free consultation for electronic cigarette and electronic sectors to gradually shift their business models away from e-cigarettes.
HAFIZAH ABDUL HAMID, 33, PRIVATE WORKER
As a former vape user myself, I fully support the proposal for stricter regulation of vape and electronic cigarettes. In my experience, vape had a significant negative impact on my health, making me breathless, causing persistent coughing, headaches and reducing my overall stamina. It is alarmingly easy to obtain vape supplies these days, as long as there is demand and money, which is particularly concerning for the younger generations. Stricter regulations are essential to protect public health and curb the rising trend among the youth.
