Ismail Sabri expects no vape ban, wants business to expand worldwide

PETALING JAYA: With the recent announcements by the Government on e-cigarettes, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pix) expects the sale of vape to continue but subject to regulations. 

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said the announcements by the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry were an indication that vaping would not be banned. 

“I believe the announcements gave the impression that the sale of e-cigarettes will be allowed to continue, but will, however, be subjected to a set of regulations,” he said in a Facebook posting Monday.

As such, Ismail Sabri said he hoped that young entrepreneurs would be encouraged to expand their vape business, and spur vape brewers to be creative in developing new flavours without resorting to the use of banned substances. 

“I want to see vape products from Malaysia being recognised worldwide, and what is more pleasing is seeing results from the creativity of young Malays and bumiputras,” he added. 

On Sunday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that a special committee would study issues surrounding the vaping industry. 

Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanifah had said that the ministry would impose price adjustments on e-cigarettes and would formulate guidelines to ensure the safety of users.