IPOH: An integrated enforcement operation on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and vapes will be launched on Aug 1, says the Health Ministry.
In a statement Tuesday, the ministry said “Operation Safe Lungs (Ops Selamat PaPa)” will involve various agencies, including the police, Customs Department, the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.
"The operation is to ensure that the law is enforced effectively and the country’s environment is safer and free from the threat of smoking products including e-cigarettes or vapes.
"We call on all parties, whether government, enforcement agencies, NGOs or the community, to jointly support and strengthen this effort to protect the health of current and future generations in line with the aspirations of the values of Madani for sustainability, wellbeing and kindness," the statement read.
"This is also an important step in the effort to realise the Malaysia Sihat National Agenda (ANMS)," the statement added.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had, in a press conference in Parliament on Monday (July 28), said the government was committed in the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act.
The Act, he noted, encompasses comprehensive controls covering product registration requirements, advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans, sales control, and smoking bans in restricted areas.
Dr Dzulkefly also said the ministry would consider a nationwide ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes or vapes.
On the decision by the Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang governments not to renew or issue licences to e-cigarette or vape sellers, the spokesman said the move was welcomed by the ministry.
The spokesman said the decision by the six states was in line with aspirations of the country to protect the public from the threat of cigarettes.
"The step taken is progressive and supports the efforts towards controlling the use of e-cigarettes or vape.
"Existing measures are still limited to certain types of premises and yet do not cover all premises, including retail or convenience stores," the spokesman said.
"For more comprehensive control, especially in the agenda towards a complete ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes or vapes, it is still under the authority of the Federal Government," the spokesman added.
