PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is intensifying enforcement and regulation of electronic cigarettes and vape products through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said enforcement under the Act aims to protect minors from getting involved in the use of e-cigarettes or vapes.
“I emphasise that smoking and vape products are strictly regulated under Act 852 for the sake of public health,” he told the press after launching the 2024 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS): Nutrition today.
Dr Dzulkefly added that he is open to reviewing laws related to smoking and vaping if necessary or supported by evidence.
“Laws are never static — they are living, dynamic, and always responsive,” he said.
Act 852, which came into effect on October 1 last year, was introduced to strengthen control over the sale, advertising, and promotion of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, in Malaysia.
It specifically targets individuals under the age of 18, who are prohibited from selling, purchasing, or using any type of smoking product by any means.
Commenting on the Penang Consumers Association (CAP)’s call for MOH to ban vapes, Dr Dzulkefly said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and the local authorities.
On Tuesday (April 22), CAP again urged the ministry to impose a full ban on the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, citing growing social issues among students.
The call followed an incident on Monday (April 21) involving a Form Three student at a school on the outskirts of Kangar, who was rushed to the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital in Perlis after allegedly suffering a seizure caused by vaping.
— Bernama
