Netizens on X voiced concern and outrage after a social media user shared a picture of the machine.
“No requirement to scan MyKad for age verification. Just pay with a card or e-wallet,” the user wrote.
Another user, @sinach_z, said: “Imagine from almost getting a total ban in the generational endgame bill to this … openly selling vape.”
@Memsaab88 said: “The number of kids on vape is rising and rising because it’s available everywhere, what’s the Madani government doing?”
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2023 found that e-cigarette or vape use among 15- to 24-year-olds rose from 1.1% in 2011 to 8.6% last year.
Checks by FMT found that customers could easily purchase vape products from the vending machine at the mall.
Customers simply select their vape product of choice on a touchscreen interface and pay using e-wallets like Boost, GrabPay, or Touch ‘n Go.
After scanning the QR code and confirming payment, the machine dispenses the selected vape product to the user.
Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib said it was “alarming and disappointing” that vending machine providers were allowing their products to be used for the sale of vape products.
“This allows unrestricted access to vape (products) and e-cigarettes for whoever uses these machines, including children, adolescents and teenagers,” he told FMT.
“This will lead to an increase in kids being introduced to and becoming addicted to nicotine. The upcoming regulations should ban such use of vending machines.”
FMT has reached out to health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad for comment.
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