CAP pushes for GEG law to end smoking, vaping

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is calling for immediate action from the Malaysian government to implement the Generational End Game (GEG) law.

This legislation, previously approved by a parliamentary committee, outlines a clear path to eliminate smoking and vaping, which CAP considers a “social disease.”

GEG Law: A Roadmap to a Smoke-Free Future

“The only way to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine is to phase out smoking and vaping products altogether, as envisioned by the GEG law,” stated Mohideen Abdul Kader, President of CAP.

He emphasises the economic burden that smoking and vaping place on the healthcare system, urging the government to adopt a preventative approach.

Mohideen cites a concerning statistic from The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS): Adolescent Health, Malaysia 2022, revealing that a significant number of youth initiate smoking and vaping habits at a young age.

“65.7% of respondents had started smoking cigarettes, and a worrying 48.5% had begun using e-cigarettes or vapes, before the age of 14.”

Marketing Tactics: Luring Youths into a Harmful Habit

CAP accuses the e-cigarette and vaping industry of employing manipulative marketing tactics similar to those used historically by the tobacco industry.

These tactics include the use of appealing flavors, packaging designs, and colors to attract young consumers.

“Before pictorial warnings became mandatory on cigarette packaging in 2009, tobacco companies heavily marketed attractive packaging and innovative products,” Mohideen explains.

“This included items like wallet packs, button packs, and slim cigarettes targeted towards women.”

He further highlights the industry’s use of “power walls” in retail outlets, prominently displaying products behind cashiers to attract young customers susceptible to such visual cues.

Mohideen emphasises the highly addictive nature of nicotine, which keeps users trapped in a cycle of dependence.

He criticises the government’s decision to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act, arguing that misleading information about nicotine content is prevalent, even with regulations requiring e-liquids to display nicotine levels.

CAP claims that tobacco companies, facing increasing pressure on traditional tobacco products, have entered the e-cigarette and vape market.

These products are often falsely advertised as “safer” alternatives, despite growing evidence of their harmful effects.

CAP highlights the alarming number of schoolchildren who have easy access to vapes, often purchased from shops or friends.

“We urge Malaysians to reject the social disease of tobacco products and e-cigarettes or vapes,” Mohideen pleads.

He concludes by reiterating the urgency of implementing the GEG law to safeguard the health of Malaysians.