In a recent documentary by international news channel Al Jazeera, shocking revelations have come to light regarding the ease with which underaged teenagers, with no prior history of smoking, can gain access to vape products or e-cigarettes in Malaysia. Despite industry claims of self-regulation, the investigation conducted in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur exposed a concerning lack of age verification measures by vape shops. This article explores the key findings of the documentary, highlighting the absence of strict regulations and the potential consequences for public health and the well-being of young individuals.
Al Jazeera’s Undercover Investigation
The 25-minute documentary presented an undercover operation where a minor was sent to various vape shops in Kuala Lumpur. Astonishingly, none of these establishments bothered to check IDs, disregarding the signs clearly indicating that the sale of vape products was intended for customers aged 18 and above. Al Jazeera highlighted this alarming trend in a Twitter post, emphasizing that the young buyer was never asked for identification, despite four out of the six shops displaying signs indicating an age restriction.
Lack of Age Verification and Irresponsible Practices
During the undercover operation, a shop worker was captured on camera asking the minor if she had ever smoked before and proceeded to suggest several flavors specifically marketed for beginners. The attendant’s lack of concern about the buyer’s age and the promotion of vaping to a non-smoker highlights the negligent practices prevalent within the industry.
Industry Claims of Self-Regulation
A representative from a vape association defended the industry’s position, asserting that self-regulation measures were in place. These measures included the display of signs indicating the age limit and the use of packaging that warns users about the products’ addictive nature. However, the documentary interviews with industry players revealed a contrasting perspective, with many stating that adherence to age restrictions was the responsibility of the customers themselves due to the absence of specific legislation governing the matter.
Request for Government Regulation
Industry stakeholders, such as Shahabudin Jalil, the executive director of the Nanostix vape maker, explained that since 2012, they had been urging the government to issue regulations to oversee vape and electronic sellers. The absence of comprehensive legislation has led to a situation where self-regulation is unevenly implemented across the industry, contributing to the ease of access for underaged individuals.
Safety Claims and Criticism of Health Minister
While the industry maintains that vaping is safer than traditional smoking, health experts criticized Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustapa for removing nicotine from the Poisons Act in April. This move, according to health groups and experts, facilitates the sale of gel and liquid vape products, including to children. The government’s decision to impose an excise duty on nicotine-containing products, with half of the revenue allocated to the health ministry, has been met with concerns regarding the potential increase in vaping among young individuals.
Concerns Raised by Experts and Council for Tobacco Control
Experts previously warned about the vape industry’s renewed push, characterized by attractive packaging, enticing flavors, and affordable disposable pods priced as low as RM5 each. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control issued a cautionary statement following the government’s decision to delist nicotine gel from the Poisons Act, expressing concerns that even children would be drawn to vaping. The chairman, Dr. M. Murallitharan, evocatively stated, “You can buy vape like you can buy curry puffs now.”
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Conclusion
The Al Jazeera documentary sheds light on the concerning ease with which underaged teenagers can access vape products in Malaysia, despite industry claims of self-regulation. The absence of strict age verification measures in vape shops, coupled with the lack of comprehensive legislation, poses significant risks to public health and the well-being of young individuals. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and safeguard the future generations from the potential harms associated with vaping.
FAQs

1. Q: Are there any age restrictions on purchasing vape products in Malaysia? A: Although there are signs indicating an age limit for purchasing vape products, the responsibility for adhering to these restrictions falls on the customers themselves, as there is no specific legislation governing the matter.
2. Q: How did the vape industry respond to the allegations of easy access for underaged teenagers? A: The industry claimed to practice self-regulation through measures such as displaying age limit signs and using warning packaging. However, interviews conducted during the documentary revealed differing opinions among industry players.
3. Q: What prompted concerns about increased vaping among children in Malaysia? A: The Malaysian government’s decision to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act and the availability of affordable disposable pods with attractive flavors and packaging have raised concerns about the potential appeal of vaping to young individuals.
4. Q: Is vaping considered safer than smoking? A: The vape industry maintains that vaping is safer than traditional smoking. However, health experts have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with vaping, especially among young individuals.
5. Q: What actions are necessary to address the issue of underaged access to vape products? A: It is crucial to implement comprehensive legislation that mandates strict age verification measures in vape shops. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can help discourage underaged individuals from engaging in vaping.