LOCAL councils in Selangor are taking different approaches in dealing with vape-related businesses, ahead of the state’s decision on a possible ban.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) said no compounds or fines were issued against vape shop operators since liquid nicotine was removed from Poisons Act 1952 in March 2023.
Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said since liquid nicotine was no longer listed under the Act, MBPJ did not issue compounds because it was not covered under any specific local council by-law.
Mohd Fauzi says MBSA has not issued any licences to vape shops.
“If vape shops are compounded, it is usually due to operating without a valid business licence.”
He added that enforcement and seizure of vape liquids fell under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.
Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) said it had not issued any licences to vape shops.
Its mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim said premises operating without a licence should be subject to enforcement.
“There is still some ambiguity in terms of enforcement,” he said when met during MBSA’s full board meeting.
“However, we will treat businesses operating as electronic stores but selling vape-related products as vape shops.”
Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), in a statement to StarMetro, said vape shops that applied for licences were registered under the category of selling electronic equipment, as stated on their business licence.
On May 27, Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) deputy president Muhamad Shah Osmin announced that premises owners were given 14 days to remove all vape-related advertisements.
The directive was issued in line with a statewide order for local councils in Selangor to seize vape advertisements, including digital and LED billboards.
According to Muhamad Shah, a recent inventory found 31 premises selling vape products in Sepang.
“Failure to comply will result in enforcement action, including the seizure of advertisement materials and legal proceedings,” he said.
Mohamad Zahri says vape shops are usually compounded for operating without a business licence.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) found 45 premises still advertising vape products as of May.
Mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain confirmed that MBDK had not issued any licences to vape-related businesses this year.
“Strict action will be taken against operators who continue to defy the directive,” he said.
Last month, state public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said all local authorities in Selangor had been instructed to seize and confiscate advertisements related to electronic cigarette products in the state.
She said this action was in line with the provisions of the Control of Tobacco Product for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which explicitly prohibits any form of advertising, promotion and sponsorship related to electronic smoking products.”
On May 26, at a Putrajaya event, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government would decide whether to implement a full ban on the sale of vape and e-cigarette devices soon.
