According to The Star Online, a sizeable amount of vape traders will be holding a rally demanding the state government to retract the order to shut down vape stores in Kelantan.
The traders are reportedly going to hold a gathering in front of the state government complex at Kota Darul Naim.
Mohd Azlee Che Mohd Zaid, the president of National Malay Vape Traders Organisation (Kelantan chapter), said that the members would hand over a memorandum to the state officials on the matter. He added that his organisation is asking for a longer grace period of at least 6 months for all 350 members to finish up their vape business and cut their losses.
During a meeting held in Kelantan on Monday night (28th December), he said:
We are of the opinion that the state government should instead concentrate on other fatwa (edicts) issued by the state Mufti on cigarette smoking and the sale of such commodity in Kelantan.
“We also urge the Government to adopt a more tolerant approach and consider the livelihood of the vaping industry players who will be losing millions of ringgit for buying the devices and liquids,” he added.
Kelantan is the 2nd state to ban vape stores from next year onwards after Johor announced that all sale of vape products including its equipment and liquids will be officially banned starting 1st January 2016. Notices have been sent out to the vape outlets, asking the owners to vacate their premises.
According to State Local Government committee chairman Datuk Abdul Fattah Mahmood, the government made the decision to ban the sale of vaping products, mods, and liquids after discussions with local authorities, the health department, police, the Mufti department, and other relevant bodies. He said that the offenders will be fined and their products will be seized by the local authorities.
Source: The Star Online.
