Cambodian NGO Cambodian Movement for Health (CMH) has renewed its call for action on the sale of e-cigarettes. It said the products were widely promoted on social media despite efforts by authorities to restrict them.
CMH said in a Dec. 5 press statement that the promotion of e-cigarettes remains widespread. It calls for stricter measures by authorities to prevent teenage addiction.
CMH said that through regular monitoring, it found that social media platforms such as Facebook, Tik Tok and Telegram were used to promote and sell e-cigarettes. Sellers often use images and videos designed to appeal to children.
Additionally, some local celebrities and influencers have been seen using the products, setting a bad example for their young fans, the group added.
“This activity slowed down for a while as authorities took aggressive steps to go after sellers and get them to sign agreements promising to stop sales. But recently, e-cigarette sales and distribution have rebounded on social media,” the group said.
Mak Chito, deputy chief of the national police, which is in charge of law enforcement, said Cambodia has yet to pass a law banning their use.
"Authorities conducted raids, seized evidence, and instructed sellers and consumers to cease and desist. Once discovered, we reprimanded sellers and educated their customers. Once they signed a contract with us, we Allow them to go home. If the violators are caught again, we will seek further punishment," he added.
He said authorities were not ignoring the problem and were continuing to investigate cases of the sale or distribution of e-cigarettes, whether at home or via social media.
Chito added: "We have requested permission from the authorities to destroy the confiscated e-cigarettes we recently seized from the warehouse.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, especially for children and young adults. It can cause serious damage to children's brain development, affecting their memory and making it difficult for them to concentrate, which affects their ability to work and study.
According to preliminary survey results of e-cigarette use, circulation and trafficking in schools, most young people who learn about e-cigarettes learned about e-cigarettes through social media.
According to CMH, advertisements on social media — and presentations designed to make their use appear attractive or glamorous — are having a devastating effect on young people and their futures.
Cambodia banned the distribution and use of shisha and vaping products under a 2014 directive on precautionary measures to stop the import and use of shisha and vaping products.