KANGAR, The Health Ministry (MOH) will present an expert committee’s recommendation to ban electronic cigarettes or vape to the Cabinet once its study is finalised, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad: We are committed to this (vape ban), it is no longer a matter of ‘if’. I will present it to the Cabinet for deliberation.
He described the recommendation as a crucial step towards implementing the ban.
“We are committed to this vape ban — it is no longer a question of ‘if’. I will table the proposal to the Cabinet for deliberation,” he told reporters after launching the Sihat Milik Semua carnival at Dewan 2020 on Saturday.
The event was officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, with Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, in attendance. It was held in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of the reign of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) has already produced positive outcomes, with the number of smoking product variants in the market dropping to 2,794 in June from 6,824 prior to the Act’s enactment — a 40.9% remaining rate.
“With strict enforcement, I am confident we can effectively regulate the sale of cigarettes and vape. Most importantly, we must shield non-adults, students, and children from exposure to vape,” he said.
He added that Act 852 will be enforced firmly to regulate all smoking products, including vape, in the interest of public health.
