PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette products to safeguard public health.
“We strongly urge the federal government to implement a nationwide ban on the sale of vaping and e-cigarette products.
“Public health must take precedence over profit, and we cannot allow these harmful products to jeopardise the well-being of future generations,” said MMA in a statement on Friday (May 16).
MMA said that while a federal ban on vaping products may require legislative amendments, state governments could still go ahead and implement state-level bans.
MMA also noted that cases of lung injury linked to vape and e-cigarette use have already been reported in Malaysia, with treatment costs for each patient reaching six figures.
It cited figures from the Health Ministry, which reported that a total of 41 e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) cases have been reported from 2019 until 2024, costing the government RM150,000 to treat each case.
“In addition to this, the National Poison Centre recorded 111 cases of incidents related to exposure to e-cigarettes or vape liquids from 2015 to 2023.
“These figures will further increase or potentially skyrocket if vaping continues to be permitted,” said MMA.
MMA urges the government to take decisive action by implementing a nationwide ban on vaping and e-cigarette products.
“We must put the health of our people, especially our youth, above all else.
“Now is the time to act with courage and responsibility, for the sake of current and future generations,” added MMA.
Presently, Johor and Kelantan have completely banned the sale of vape products, while Kedah will stop issuing new licenses for vape shops.
Terengganu and Perlis will ban the sale of vape products on Aug 1.
