By Yasmin Ramlan
KLANG, May 22 — The Selangor government is ramping up enforcement against vape stores as hundreds are operating without proper licences, especially in urban areas.
State executive councillor for tourism and local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the matter was recently brought up to the state executive council, adding that Klang alone has 45 premises displaying vape-related advertisements, many of which are unlicensed and use unauthorised promotional signage.
“There are hundreds (of vape stores operating without licence) in Selangor, mostly in cities… Local councils have never issued vape licences, so they are operating without a licence and are putting up their own advertisements.
“These advertisements were put up illegally, and we have already directed enforcement officers to take action. Enforcement is ongoing,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to the Klang Royal City Council here today.
Ng said the state government has instructed that local councils remove illegal advertisements, issue notices, and impose fines on non-compliant premises.
“Local councils are empowered to remove illegal vape signage and issue enforcement notices. If businesses fail to comply, they will be fined. This is to ensure rules are followed by all,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_401783" align="aligncenter" width="947"]
State executive councillor for tourism and local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim speaks to the media after launching the Selangor Mega Food Festival at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam on May 1, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Ng added that the rise in vape usage, especially among youth, prompted the state to adopt a more careful and holistic approach to regulation.
“This (vaping) is a growing phenomenon among youth. We are studying the issue thoroughly before introducing a clear policy.
“For now, we are taking firm steps to prevent its promotion and curb unregulated access,” he said.
On Tuesday, state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said in a statement that local authorities have been instructed to seize and remove all vape-related advertisements, both physical and digital, as an initial step to curb the spread of e-cigarette use in the state.
She said this will be done pending a decision by the state on whether to ban vape sales.
Terengganu and Perlis announced a ban on e-cigarette sales effective August 1, while Johor has prohibited vape sales and licensing since 2016.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said state governments have the authority to ban vape sales, and expressed concern that their availability could lead to the abuse of new synthetic drugs.
