Stricter vape laws to be implemented next month, says Dr Dzul

PETALING JAYA: Stricter regulations for vape and electronic cigarettes may be implemented in August, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Health Minister said that despite the multiple delays, the ministry is doing its best to get Regulations and Orders 2b endorsed by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

The regulations are to be simultaneously enforced with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), he said.

“While I truly understand the anxiety caused by the delay in the implementation of the 'Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), I seek your empathy that the Health Ministry is doing its level best to get the 'Regulations & Orders' 2b endorsed by AGC,” he said on X, formerly Twitter, in a reply to a user, Aisehman.

He said that three regulations are already endorsed, while two more regulations and an order are pending approval.

“Finally...the regulations and order shall be enforced together with the Act 852 in August. God willing, no more delays,” he added.

On June 8, Dzulkefly said that electronic cigarettes will be strictly regulated in June under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.

The act was gazetted in February, but checks by The Star on the AGC federal legislation site show that it is “not yet in force”.

The use of electronic cigarettes is currently regulated under the Food Act and the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations.

Recently, the Malaysian Medical Association also expressed worries that the delay has led to significant public health risks and allowed the vaping industry to exploit regulatory gaps.

Concerns were raised about vaping near educational institutions, especially with the presence of vape kiosks near them.