Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia (Ikhlas) president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah, speaking to the Malay Mail Online (MMO), questioned why cigarette smoking was yet to be banned, despite a 1995 National Fatwa Council edict imposed against it.

He said the ban imposed on vaping by Malacca (the sixth state to do so) was going to hurt Malay traders, especially those who had moved there from Johor, the first state to ban vaping, to start the vape business.

The portal also spoke to a couple of vape traders in Malacca, who expressed hope that the state would change its mind on the matter.

“I am hoping for the state to change its decision. The sale and usage of vape can be regulated.

“Banning vape entirely will force traders to bring their businesses underground,” said one of the traders who refused to be identified.