Law Needed To Curb Use Of Vape And Shisha Says Lee

---

PETALING JAYA: A new Bill should be proposed to control the use of e-cigarettes, vape and shisha, says social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Lee, who is also senior vice-chairman of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation, said the Bill should also take into account similar products that could influence children, such as the “ghost smoke” candy
“The absence of specific laws has hampered enforcement, so the special committee that was recently formed to tackle the issue and the proposed law should find ways to control the use of vape, shisha and electronic cigarettes, including banning their sale to students and children,” he said yesterday
Lee said about 90% of vape fluids contained nicotine which could lead to addiction.

Therefore, a special prohibition under the law is needed to make it easier to curb the purchase and use of such products.

He added that the National Cancer Society of Malaysia has also called for a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes to youths after reports that vape liquids are often laced with drugs
Lee also said all stakeholders must take stern action on the sale of the “ghost smoke” candy to children and students
“Parents should not shirk their responsibility and leave it to the schools or the authorities to monitor their children
“They must always supervise their children to ensure that they are not exposed to vape or “ghost smoke” candy products,” he said
He said guardians must also keep in mind that there was a possibility that children who consumed the “ghost smoke” candy may want to try the real thing
“Most of those involved in smoking and drug abuse often started because of curiosity or to have fun with their friends,” he added
Recently, the Health Ministry proposed for the candy to be banned after a video showing children mimicking smoking while eating the sweet went viral online
It added that while the candy was safe for consumption, information on the label did not match the sweet’s content thus violating labelling requirements.- Star

---