By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 11: The federal government will impose a complete ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products, to be implemented in stages starting with open-system vape devices as part of efforts to curb their misuse.
According to the News Straits Times, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the restrictions will gradually extend to all types of vape products until the entire category is covered.
However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the full implementation.
As a first step, the Health Ministry has already held detailed discussions with key ministries and agencies.
“This includes the Finance Ministry, Customs Department, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Home Ministry via the police, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority,” he said.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the findings and proposed implementation plan for the ban will be presented to the Cabinet for policy approval, which will then form the basis for a nationwide prohibition on electronic cigarettes and vape products.
He was responding in the Dewan Negara to Senator Baharuddin Ahmad on Wednesday (Sept 10), who asked whether the government is prepared to ban vape sales, similar to measures adopted by several state governments, to better protect public health from harmful diseases.
Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly expressed support for six state governments, namely Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang, which have decided not to issue or renew vape sales licenses through their local authorities.
“This is a proactive approach aligned with the goals of national public health,” he added. — DayakDaily
