Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has announced that teachers found smoking or using electronic cigarettes (vapes) on school premises can be subjected to legal action, including a maximum fine of RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
According to a report by Sinar Harian, Fadhlina shared that the Ministry of Education (MOE) will not compromise with teachers who vape, especially in front of students, as it clearly violates the Malaysian Teacher Standards (SGM), which emphasises their role as role models.
“Teachers found using vapes or smoking in school premises can be subjected to action based on the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024,” she explained.
What is MOE doing to curb vaping among students?
This comes after Padang Terap MP, Nurul Amin Hamid, questioned MOE’s role in preventing students from picking up vapes, especially when there are allegations that teachers are also using vapes openly, setting a negative example for students and affecting the credibility of educational institutes.
Despite vapes being illegal for anyone below 18 years old and vape sales not being permitted within 40 metres of schools, students are still getting their hands on vapes.
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