Citing “alarming” data and mounting health concerns, Yuneswaran warned Putrajaya that inaction could lead to long-term health crises and an overwhelmed public healthcare system.
Noting an increase in the rate of youth vaping and using e-cigarettes from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022, he said this not only signalled a growing nicotine addiction among the youth but would also bring severe health consequences.
He said while several state governments had banned vape sales or were considering it, existing control measures at the federal level were “still weak”.
Yuneswaran also noted that the government had exempted nicotine liquids in vapes from the Poisons Act 1952, allowing the sale of nicotine-containing vape products without regulation.
He said this decision had led to a rapid growth in the vape market, making it increasingly difficult to control, especially among the youth.
“Although Parliament recently passed the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, the ‘Generational End Game’ (GEG) clause which would have banned the sale of nicotine products to anyone born after 2007 was removed, missing a crucial opportunity to protect young people from addiction.
“Without such key provisions and comprehensive vape regulation, efforts to curb youth nicotine addiction will become more challenging.
“The government is urged not to prioritise short-term tax gains over public well-being. Instead, the future of the next generation must come first. Implement a total vape ban to ensure a healthier Malaysia, free from the dangers of vaping.”
He added that vaping was not a safe alternative to smoking, noting 17 cases of vape-related lung injuries (Evali) were reported in 2023, and the country’s first local vape-related death reported last June.
Yuneswaran also warned of the steep economic consequences of treating Evali, which could cost up to RM150,000.
He said by 2030, the government might have to spend RM369 million annually on vape-related treatment.
“This nearly offsets the government’s projected vape tax revenue of RM500 million per year, showing that the economic benefits of the vape industry are far outweighed by the health costs borne by the government,” he said.
“The public health sector risks losing hundreds of millions of ringgit to treat vape-related complications – funds that could be better used for other urgent health needs.”