The Federal Government will ban the sales of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, as a measure to curb the misuse of the product.
According to a report by Berita Harian, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad shared that the implementation of this will be done in stages, starting with an open system ban before expanding to all types of vapes to cover the entire product line.
Malaysia will ban the sales of electronic cigarettes and vapes in stages
However, he did not mention if they have decided on a time limit to complete the ban. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has held detailed discussions with key ministries and departments as an initial step.
“This involves the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDN), the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) through the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Office of the Legal Advisor,”
“The results of the study and the proposal for the implementation of the ban will be presented to the Cabinet to obtain policy approval, which will then form the basis for the implementation of a full ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes in the country,” he said.
Some states have already banned vapes
Dr Dzulkefly also stated that MOH supports the move by 6 states, namely Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang, over their decision not to issue or renew vape sales licenses through the jurisdiction of their respective local authorities (PBT).
“This is a proactive approach in line with the country’s public health goals.”
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Also read: “Just ban vapes” – M’sians Saddened by Viral Video of School Students Passing Around Vapes
