KUCHING: Smoking used to be widespread in the country and done literally everywhere – indoors, outdoors, at home, in eateries shopping malls, etc.
Fortunately, not too long ago, the medical community and health advocates backed with scientific findings revealed that secondhand smoke was as harmful as firsthand smoke. This led to the recent move to ban the use of traditional combustible tobacco products in most public areas.
Then, enter electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)! Commonly known as “vaping” (a play on the word vapour) the process involves vaporizing nicotine solutions that come in a variety of flavors. It is marketed as an alternative for smokers to wean themselves off real cigarettes without quitting the nicotine dependence altogether.
Although it is claimed to be a safer form of smoking, vaping risks being banned faster than traditional cigarettes. The National Cancer Society of Malaysia has urged the government to immediately ban the sale of vaping devices, especially to youths.
This followed reports that vape liquids were laced with drugs although many people believe that vape cartridges contain only nicotine and not other substances such as tar or carbon monoxide that could cause cancer.
For now, the government has no plan to ban the sales of e-cigarettes and vapes, but will increase control to curb related health risks.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye, who disclosed this, said the government had taken proactive measures by drafting a Bill that encompasses control of e-cigarettes and vapes. The Bill will be tabled next year.
“A decision on whether the sale or use of e-cigarettes and vapes get banned in the country depends on the results of an ongoing study which includes taking into account current needs and situation,” said Lee recently.
Afenddy Ibrahim, 30, owner of Hombre Barbershop and vape operator, said it is undeniable that the nicotine content in
e-juice or e-liquids is higher compared to traditional
cigarettes.
Vaping devices have evolved over the years from mods to pods. Vape mods are larger devices than e-cigarettes, and are known for their high vapour production. This kind of device takes its cue from a regular vape pen, but is enhanced (or modified, hence the “mod” name) to include certain advanced features.
A pod mod is a vaping device with a portable system that doesn’t have a traditional tank or atomizer. Instead, it has a pod that is inserted into the body of the mod, and it contains e-liquid. All in all, the pod systems have everything — cartridges with the coil, wick, and the
e-liquid.
“The pod has gained a following as a healthier alternative to quit smoking tobacco,” Afenddy told the New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
He pointed out that although cigarettes have less nicotine millions of smokers have perished from inhaling their chemical contents.
“So far we have yet to hear about health complications or death caused by vaping, and yet vape liquids have around six to 12mg or higher nicotine and pod kits have from 25mg to 50mg salt nicotine.
E-liquids are being mixed with nicotine and other harmless substances that are consumed every day.
Higher nicotine level gives a vaper’s body a more effective nicotine fix and the urge to smoke tobacco will decline gradually.
Azahary Ibrahim, 30, Hombre Barbershop shareholder, said he and his brother have been vaping since 2012. He thinks that a move to regulate vaping
devices and vape liquids has caused vaping to decline sometime ago.
However, it made a comeback in recent years with new technological innovations in the form of pod kits that come in a wide range of sizes and designs. The devices are well-designed and require less maintenance.
“We have a good crowd and steady flow of customers who believe that their switch is healthier. The pods are cheaper too ranging from RM100 to RM200 and the liquids are priced at RM20 for locally produced salt nicotine. USA liquids can fetch up to RM70,” he said.
He pointed out that most of those who are selling vape devices are Bumiputeras whom he urged to be even more innovative including producing their own liquids.
