KUCHING: Sarawak is considering banning the sale of vape products due to concerns over their potential for drug abuse, says the state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal had received full support at the Drug Eradication Action Council's meetings in Serian, Sibu and Miri recently.
He said vaping was a national issue, especially after vape products were found to be laced with illicit drugs.
"Previously, vaping was seen as an alternative to smoking, but now it is widely misused for drug consumption.
"This is why the government must look into the matter seriously. At the state level, we have unanimously agreed to ban vape," he said after chairing a state Drug Eradication Action Council meeting here on Wednesday (July 16).
Abdul Karim noted that several states in Malaysia had issued fatwas against vaping.
However, he said federal legislation passed in Parliament was required to make vaping illegal.
"Vaping has evolved over the years to the extent that unscrupulous individuals are using it to cause addiction and hallucinations.
"This is where the government needs to look at it from every angle, including banning it," he said.
