KUCHING: Sarawak may consider banning vape products but is currently focusing on prevention, public awareness and early intervention, says a state minister.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state government recognised vaping, especially among youths, as a serious and growing public health concern, particularly because of its increasing links to drug abuse and synthetic substances.
"On the issue of a complete ban, the Sarawak government does not rule out such a measure in the future.
"However, the government believes that public awareness, prevention and community readiness must first be strengthened to ensure that any future policy, including a possible complete ban, can be implemented effectively and receive wider public support," she told Chieng Jin Ek (GPS-Bukit Assek) during question time in the state legislative assembly on Friday (May 15).
Fatimah said awareness and intervention programmes on vaping were being stepped up, focusing on educating youths on nicotine addiction, the health effects of vaping and dangers associated with drug-laced vape products.
She said enforcement was also being intensified, particularly against illegal vape-related activities involving drug abuse and criminal syndicates.
"This includes targeted operations against vape devices containing prohibited substances, monitoring illegal distribution networks and stricter enforcement against the sale and supply of vape products to minors," she said.
Fatimah also said enforcement action was being taken under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 in relation to sales to minors, advertising, promotion and access to smoking products by youths.
From January to May this year, she said, four minors were issued compound notices under Section 13(3) of the Act for illegally purchasing smoking products, while 253 were charged under Section 17(1) for smoking or vaping offences.
Three vendors were also charged under Section 13(1) for selling smoking products to minors.
"The government will continue to monitor the situation carefully based on public health concerns, enforcement effectiveness and the wellbeing of the rakyat, especially the younger generation," she added.
