Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

MP: Proposal to Ban Vapes Needs Thorough Review to Prevent Economic Impacts

| Source: ANTARA_ID Translated from Indonesian | Regulation
MP: Proposal to Ban Vapes Needs Thorough Review to Prevent Economic Impacts
Image: ANTARA_ID

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives Commission III, Abdullah, believes that the proposal for a ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes related to drug trafficking needs to be studied more thoroughly, taking various aspects into account to prevent economic and social impacts that could affect the wider community.

He said that a policy without careful consideration risks creating new, more complex problems in society. On the other hand, he views the laboratory findings from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) as a serious fact that must be considered, with comprehensive, data-based solutions.

“Many small and medium enterprises (UMKM) rely on vape sales for their livelihoods, and not a few people also use them,” said Abdullah in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

According to him, an approach prioritising comprehensive, data-based solutions will ensure that the goal of eradicating drugs is still achieved without ignoring the impacts on the wider community.

“If it is proven that there is systemic misuse for drug trafficking, support for the ban is certainly there. However, such a policy must go through very thorough stages, be data-based, and not be done hastily,” he said.

According to him, the proposal must also be accompanied by ensuring that the eradication of drugs through vapes remains effective without ignoring economic and social aspects.

Field facts, according to him, show that vape products circulating in the market do not violate regulations. In addition, he believes that the misused vape samples are illegal products without excise stamps.

“Drug trafficking through vapes is indeed a real threat that is concerning, especially for the younger generation. However, the approach must be data-based so that the goal of protecting society is achieved without damaging the existing economic ecosystem,” he said.

Previously, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, proposed a ban on vapes with their liquids to be regulated in the Draft Law (RUU) on Narcotics and Psychotropics.

He said Indonesia is now facing the phenomenon of massive drug trafficking in the form of vapes. Countries in the ASEAN region such as Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Laos, according to him, have already taken steps to ban vape circulation.

“Based on the results of laboratory tests at the BNN centre on 341 vape liquid samples, we found very shocking facts,” said Suyudi during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/4).

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