PETALING JAYA: Terengganu is set to enforce the ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes at business premises in the state on Aug 1, says state executive councillor for local government, housing and health, Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah.
Wan Sukairi said the state exco had agreed to enforce the ban in a meeting on Apr 23.
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He said that the advertising of these products would also be banned.
“The state government is calling upon all parties to give their full cooperation to ensure that this policy becomes a success for the well-being of the people and a healthier development of Terengganu,” he said.
“The decision was a proactive action on the state's part to ban the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vapes that can bring a negative impact to the health of the people, especially the younger generation,” he said in a statement on Thursday(Apr 24).
Wan Sukairi stated that the state would uphold its business licensing policy, meaning that licences for vape and e-cigarette businesses would not be granted.
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He said compounds would be imposed on premises which continue to sell vapes and e-cigarettes after the ban has been enforced. Aside from that, products would be seized, and sellers who continue to sell the products can be charged under the Local Government Act.
“The state government has also decided not to receive any form of sponsorship from vape product producers or distributors for programmes and events organised by the government, including advertising vape products,” he said.
Wan Sukairi said licensing regulations would be updated to ensure that the vape sale ban can be enforced thoroughly.
The state government would also assist employees of vape businesses and their employees by offering entrepreneurship courses through Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) to enable them to venture into more sustainable employment opportunities.