KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry has made it clear that vape companies — and not only cigarette companies — cannot sponsor sporting events in Malaysia.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said she understands that it is hard for organisers to secure sponsorship but stressed that the health of those involved in sports events is not something the ministry is willing to compromise.
Yeoh was reacting after being asked to comment on a recent polo event in the Klang Valley which was sponsored by a vape company.
"Actually all sports association know that the ministry does not allow vape companies to sponsor sports events," said Yeoh after officiating the Asia Triathlon Cup in Putrajaya today.
"I believe this association also knows this, we will send them a show cause letter.
"Some people may think they can get away with it, however, with social media today, that is not possible. People will take photos and videos.
"I know that many in the sports sector are looking for sponsors and it is not easy to get them as the costs of organising events are very high.
"But I feel that this is not something we can compromise as it involves safety, health and addiction and sends the wrong message to our young athletes."
Yeoh added that her ministry will look to the Safe Sports Code (SSC) to deal with the issue and ensure that vaping does not occur at any sporting venue that is controlled by them.
"I have asked our legal officers to look at what we can do to tighten the (sponsorship) process.
"We are looking at amending the SSC to include this issue as safety is not only for those who are competing in sports but also those who attend sporting events."
Yeoh said the involvement of vape companies as sponsors would likely deter parents from sending their children to take part in the event.
"If vape companies are allowed to sell their products (at events), parents will not send their children to such programmes.
"In fact, it would also jeopardise the event's chances of securing sponsorship from other companies. This is because many other companies do not want to be associated with vaping."
Tobacco advertising and sponsorship has been banned in Malaysia since the early 2000s which, at the time, left a huge void as cigarette companies had been key sponsors in many sports ranging from football, motorsports and even sepak takraw.
