By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 17: The Federal governmentis moving ahead with plans to impose a full ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, with a Cabinet memorandum on the proposal expected to be tabled in early 2026.
According to a TVS news, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said while the memorandum was not presented at the last Cabinet meeting, is currently being finalised, highlighting the government’s resolve to tackling rising public health concerns linked to vaping.
“We are indeed moving towards a ban. The main issue is timing. I am confident it can be implemented as soon as possible, by mid-2026 or at the latest by the end of next year,” he said at a press conference after visiting Hospital Permai on Tuesday (Dec 16).
Dr Dzulkefly said the ban will be implemented in phases to allow for a structured and enforceable transition.
The first phase will focus on prohibiting open-system vapes, which allow users to refill e-liquids and are more susceptible to misuse and contamination.
Subsequent phases will expand the ban to include all vaping devices, including closed systems.
Acknowledging differing opinions on the proposed ban, he emphasised that the decision is driven by mounting evidence of health risks, including reports of e-liquids containing illegal substances such as synthetic cannabis.
To support the policy, a special committee chaired by Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, together with public health consultant Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, is conducting studies on the health impacts of vaping as well as its legal and regulatory implications.
“The findings will provide the foundation for evidence-based decisions and guide enforcement measures once the Cabinet approves the ban,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
Also present at the press conference were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tiang Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut. — DayakDaily
