‘Close eye needed on vape sales’

(From second left) Fadlun and Dr Zaliha at the launch of Floria 2024 in Putrajaya. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star

A FEDERAL minister has called for stronger monitoring of vape sales amid concerns about the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa was responding to reports of a vending machine selling such products.

“There needs to be monitoring and if action is deemed necessary, then the Health Ministry must act.

“The ministry may collaborate with other government agencies,” she said after launching Putrajaya Flower and Royal Garden Festival (Floria) in Precinct 2, Putrajaya.

On July 12, a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur was ordered to stop the operation of a vending machine selling vape products after the issue went viral on social media.

A meeting was also held between Health Ministry and the mall management to explain the prohibition of vape sales via such machines.

In a statement, the ministry said this prohibition was provided for under Rule 10 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, issued under Food Act 1983.

It added that Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which was currently being fine-tuned, also banned the sale and display of tobacco products, including via vending machines.

Asked if her ministry was taking any action, Dr Zaliha, a former Health minister, said checks would be made on whether these machines were licensed.

“We need to look at the licensing laws governing such operations,” she said, adding that Education Ministry could help in improving awareness.

The annual floral and garden festival in Putrajaya will return for its 13th edition from Aug 22 to Sept 1.

With the tagline “Celebrate Together”, Floria 2024 will feature petunia as the theme flower for its colourful petals and in recognition of its popularity among gardeners.

Organised by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj), the festival will take place by the lakeside in Precinct 2, Monday to Thursday (9am to 10pm) and Friday to Sunday (9am to midnight).

In a statement, PPj said the programme would involve garden exhibitions by more than 30 organisations.

“Participants include government agencies, companies, florists and trader associations, as well as higher education institutions.

“It is hoped that the event will bring forth new ideas and unique techniques used in the art of garden exhibitions,” the Putrajaya local authority said.

There will also be other exhibitions of indoor flowers from 10 countries, various types of orchids, bonsai and terrariums.

More than 100 activities have been lined up, including workshops and over 50 stalls selling crafts and decorative flowers.

Also present at the launch was PPj president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.