IPOH: A decision on whether to ban vape products in Perak has yet to be made pending further discussions, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
While the state executive council meeting briefly raised the matter, the Perak Mentri Besar said a more in-depth review is still required.
“A study needs to be conducted before any firm decision can be made.
“I have spoken to the state health committee chairman A. Sivanesan about it, but there are several matters that must be carefully considered.
“Among the factors being weighed are public health concerns and the potential impact on local vape traders,” he said after launching two strategic plans for the state here yesterday.
On May 23, Saarani said that Perak is ready to consider the proposal to ban the sale of vape products and that he would try to bring the matter to the exco meeting the following week.
Saarani added in the press conference that he had also received a request from the operators’ (vape) association to discuss the matter.
“These are issues that need to be thoroughly examined.
“So any move to regulate or ban vape sales must take into account both health implications and economic effects on traders.”
Saarani said with Sivanesan tasked with reviewing the matter from both a health and business impact perspective, a final decision will be made once all considerations are fully explored.
“I hope the matter will be tabled at the exco meeting as soon as possible,” he said.
Earlier on at the event, Saarani said the state marked a new milestone with the launch of two strategic plans aimed at transforming Perak into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by the digital economy.
The Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040, Saarani said, are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure, empower human capital, and stimulate innovation and technology investment.
He said the simultaneous launch of both plans marks a key step towards building a more efficient, resilient and high-quality urban environment, with a positive impact on Perak’s socio-economic development.
“We are now in an era of rapid digital transformation, and if we act too slowly, we will be left behind. That is why the digital economy agenda has been identified as one of the nine main agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan.
“Our goal is clear: to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy.”
