PETALING JAYA: Regulations on vape product usage must include a penalty for adults who are found to provide access for children, says a health expert.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh urged the government to immediately regulate vape products before more children fall into vaping activities as the access to it is not monitored.
She was saying this in response to a survey by Consumers Association Penang (CAP) that revealed children were lured into vaping by their fathers and elder brothers.
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“The elders are using vapes and tobacco products – which children (around them) are exposed to. Parents should provide good examples.
“Many studies have shown that if there are smokers in the household, mainly male figures, the children will also have a risk of taking up the habit.
“If there’s no regulations (on vaping), the habit among children will spread like wildfire,” she told The Star.
The public health expert also said that with the absence of proper regulations, the underage group would have access to the vape products without any repercussions.
Prof Sharifa reiterated that vaping should only be treated as a medium for cigarette smokers to quit smoking and not to produce a new generation of smokers.
Aside from getting the vape traders registered, she said the government should also increase efforts in combating the illicit trade of e-cigarettes that potentially contain dangerous substances.
“Once retailers are registered with the government, they will abide by the regulations such as not selling it to the underaged.
“But, our concern also lies on illicit trading. The authorities must heighten its control to curb illicit trading not only for tobacco products but also vape,” she added.
Previously, in a statement, CAP education officer and activist, NV Subbarow said children aged nine to 12 admitted to trying vapes and e-cigarettes belonging to their fathers or brothers.
The fact was revealed through the association's smoking, vaping and e-cigarette awareness programme that was conducted in several primary and secondary schools in Penang.
"Out of the 300 children found by CAP during the nicotine-free programme for children, 200 of them admitted to vaping twice a week.
“CAP strongly feels that what the fathers and brothers are doing is an offence. It's child abuse because the young family members are fed nicotine-containing juices,” he said.
In response, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa was reported to have said her ministry is ready to work with the Education Ministry to address vape addiction among students.
She said that the collaboration will include awareness campaigns and providing education on the dangers of vape products to children.
