Health Minister: No vaping at no smoking zones

Pic for story on vape. AZMAN GHANI / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: e-Cigarettes which contain nicotine or tobacco are not allowed at no smoking zones, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

"The question is if vapes have no nicotine, can they be lit up?

"If there is no nicotine in vapes, then the issue is whether it is tobacco based. If it is tobacco based, then it is still not allowed. It is as simple as that," Dr Dzulkefly said at the sidelines of the launch of R.O.S.E (Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening) on Monday (Jan 14).

In October last year, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the ban against smoking in public places and eateries would not be extended to vaping.

He had explained that under the current laws, authorities are only allowed to take action on vape products that contain nicotine.

When asked about National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye's suggestion to consider extending the smoking ban to offices and enclosed areas such as toilets, Dr Dzulkefly said he was opened to it.

"We are willing to consider and always reassess and review, especially public places. I will listen to the public on all suggestions and complains," he said. 

Beginning this year, smoking in all food eateries have been banned, as these premises have been gazetted as no-smoking zones by the government.