Catania, May 24, 2025 – As part of its international efforts to promote evidence-based public policies for tobacco harm reduction, the CoEHAR – Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction at the University of Catania – has sent an official communication to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, regarding the State of Terengganu’s decision to implement a ban on the sale of vaping products starting August.
Signed by Prof. Riccardo Polosa, founder of CoEHAR, and Prof. Giovanni Li Volti, director of the center, the letter aims to contribute scientifically to the Malaysian public debate, drawing attention to international evidence supporting balanced regulatory approaches in the fight against smoking.
CoEHAR’s Position
This initiative reflects CoEHAR’s broader mission to support global public health strategies that combine protection of health with regulatory and social sustainability. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that reduced-risk products – such as e-cigarettes – are effective tools to support adult smokers in transitioning away from combustible cigarettes toward significantly less harmful alternatives.
In countries such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the integration of vaping products into national health strategies has contributed to a measurable decline in smoking rates, producing tangible benefits for public health.
The Risks of Prohibition
In its communication, CoEHAR warns against the potentially counterproductive effects of sweeping bans, particularly in the absence of an effective regulatory system. The risks outlined include:
- Expansion of illicit markets: removing legal access to vaping products may lead to the growth of unregulated, unsafe black markets;
- Return to combustible smoking: for many ex-smokers, reduced-risk products serve as a valid alternative. A ban may push them back to traditional cigarettes;
- Loss of regulatory oversight: prohibition eliminates key public health tools such as age restrictions, licensing systems, and product traceability;
- Negative economic impact: Malaysia’s vaping sector is a source of employment and entrepreneurship. A total ban could undermine these contributions.
CoEHAR’s Proposal: Regulate to Protect
Drawing on international experience, CoEHAR recommends the adoption of a comprehensive, multilayered regulatory framework that protects public health through targeted, science-based measures.
Specifically, the proposal calls for action along five key pillars:
- Introduction of mandatory age verification systems and licensing for retail outlets;
- Implementation of strict product safety and quality standards;
- Development and dissemination of public information campaigns based on scientific evidence;
- Establishment of ongoing surveillance and policy impact assessment mechanisms;
- Active support for adult smokers transitioning to lower-risk alternatives, backed by the scientific community.
Conclusion
Harm reduction is increasingly recognized as a fundamental pillar of international tobacco control strategies. CoEHAR reaffirms the importance of evidence-based approaches, regulatory balance, and shared commitment among institutions, the scientific community, and civil society.
We strongly encourage the Government of the State of Terengganu to reconsider the implementation of prohibitive measures and instead pursue a regulatory strategy aligned with the highest international standards in public health and consumer protection.
