In Malaysia, vapers would like e-cigarettes to be regulated and then to be more widely distributed. They say that banning vaping, if it is to eventually happen, will not prevent them from using their e-cigarettes.
In the very first survey of adult smokers in Malaysia, a consumer advocacy group found that most smokers surveyed see e-cigarettes as an alternative " positive " at the cigarette shop.
Heneage Mitchell, the co-founder of Factasia.org said that 75% of respondents would consider continuing to purchase e-cigarettes through other channels or in other countries, if banned in Malaysia. It has already been observed that more than 26% of vapers buy their vape products directly on the internet. According to him " An outright ban would push consumers to an underground market". You should know that in Malaysia there are still between 250 000 and 1 million vapers, although for Mitchell " The use of e-cigarettes should be limited to adults"
H. MITCHELL: "THERE IS AN OBVIOUS NEED TO REGULATE THE INDUSTRY"
For the co-founder of Factasia.org « There is a clear need to regulate the industry in Malaysia, to establish quality standards, to tax products in a rational manner and above all to ensure that they are sold only to adults.". On the other hand " Banning it would clearly be a mistake because, like tobacco products, it would thrive the black and illegal market." , he said.
The recent internet survey made it possible to question 400 Malaysian smoking over 18 years to assess consumer opinion on alternatives to tobacco. Surveys were also carried out in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand.
"In Malaysia, 100% of respondents know the e-cigarette and 69% admit having tried it or using it fluently. In an interview on Friday, Mitchell pointed out “ that there is a need to protect consumers. They expect positive action from the government "
The 28 June, The Sunday Star proposed an article pointing out that the vape was booming in Malaysia (see our article). Despite being worth half a billion ringgit, the market is unregulated unlike most countries where it is either banned or controlled.
JOHN BOLEY: "87% OF SMOKERS CONSIDER SWITCHING TO E-CIGARETTE"
For the second co-founder of factasia.org, John Boley, 87% of smokers surveyed would consider switching to e-cigs if they were legal, met quality and safety standards, and were more readily available. More than two-thirds of those surveyed admitted to having used an e-cigarette and among them, 75% admit that they consume it as an alternative to tobacco.
« Smokers are almost unanimous on the subject and should have the right to information on products less harmful than tobacco like e-cigarettes. Moreover, more than 90% of respondents think that the government should encourage adults who smoke to switch to alternatives such as e-cigarettes and ensure that they are not used by young people. »
Factasia.org is an independent, non-profit organization made up of lawyers focused on regulating citizens' rights across Asia.
Source : Thestar.com (Translation by Vapoteurs.net)
