PUTRAJAYA, Nov 19 — The government will continue to adopt a regulatory approach to vaping through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on October 1, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the federal government maintains its position against banning the sale of vape, but has let state governments determine their own policies, including on banning vape sales through local authorities.
“I think the states have to make their own decisions. We can’t ban vaping at this point, so we take the stand to regulate.
“As the first step, of course we want to ban (vape), but if we can’t ban, we must regulate (vape products). The unity government maintains that regulation is the best approach for now,” he said at a press conference after officiating the celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024 here today.
He explained that Act 852 provides a complete legal framework to regulate the entire vape supply chain, including registration, sale, and delivery.
“The ministry’s decision to regulate (vape under) Act 852 is a comprehensive legislative move,” he said.
Dr Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the decree of the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who suggested a total ban on vaping in the state.
According to the ruler, the concern over the increase in drug abuse, especially among the youth in Pahang, is the basis for the recommendation. Based on the statistics of the National Anti-Drug Agency, His Royal Highness said vaping is often the gateway to drug addiction.
It was previously reported that Johor had banned vape sales and will act against any party that sells it openly.
— Bernama
