PETALING JAYA: It is time for Malaysia to align with neighbours and ban vapes, says anti-tobacco activist Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah.
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) secretary-general said Singapore, Thailand and Brunei have already taken such measures to protect their populations.
"From an economic and public health perspective, the healthcare costs, productivity losses and risks to non-users via second-hand aerosol exposure far outweigh any perceived short-term gains from vape sales," he said.
He then said that vaping among children is escalating into an epidemic.
"The police have issued repeated warnings, and sudden deaths involving vape users demand urgent attention," he said.
"The professional public health position remains consistent—vapes should be banned," added Muhammad Sha’ani.
On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to expand pro-health taxes on vapes, tobacco and alcohol when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan.
The announcement has raised eyebrows among activists, who fear the proposal to ban vapes may falter.
