PUTRAJAYA: While there is no nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes, local authorities in Malaysia can cease issuing licenses for their sale, according to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"Some states have already taken steps to stop issuing licenses for the sale of such products at the local council level.
"Johor has taken the lead, and perhaps Pahang and other states may follow suit.
"However, the decision is ultimately up to the respective states," he said at a press conference after launching the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week on Tuesday (Nov 19).
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to a suggestion by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, on Monday (Nov 18), who called on the government to consider completely banning electronic cigarettes or vapes.
His Majesty's recommendation was in response to concerns over the increasing drug abuse, particularly among the youth in the state.
Statistics from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) show that Pahang ranks as the fifth-highest state in the country with 11,750 drug addicts, 57% of whom are young people aged between 15 and 30.
Regarding the suggestion to ban electronic cigarettes or vapes, Dr Dzulkefly noted that the government had opted for regulation over an outright ban.
This is enforced through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into force on Oct 1.
"The first action is to ban, but if we cannot ban, we will regulate.
"For now, we have a standalone regulation to manage electronic cigarettes or vapes.
"The Federal Government remains committed to regulating these products," he said.
Effective Oct 1 this year, smoking products are prohibited from being sold at educational institutions, online platforms, markets, and vending machines.
From April 1 next year, smoking products must be stored in locked areas, and outlets specialising in these products must ensure they are not visible from the outside.
By Oct 1 next year, all smoking products must be sold in plain packaging but must include text and layout for health warnings.
