SABAK BERNAM, Aug 23 — The state government is awaiting an official decision from the Federal government regarding the proposed ban on the sale of e-cigarettes or vapes.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that this follows Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s statement in Parliament that the government is considering a nationwide ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes.
“We will try to obtain further information, but so far, there has been no confirmation on the timeline for implementing the ban.
“This is because many of the state government’s directions and policies also depend on the Federal government’s stance. Therefore, if the Health Ministry (MOH) decides on a full ban, it will take effect nationwide, including in Selangor,” she said.
Jamaliah was speaking to the press after officiating the third series of the Plastic-Free Campaign at Pengkalan Sabak today.
She added that, for now, the state government continues to enforce its existing policy whereby local authorities seize advertisements promoting vapes statewide.
“Selangor also continues to gather feedback from relevant parties and agencies regarding the proposed ban in order to draft laws that can be applied to safeguard public health,” Jamaliah noted.
Previously, Dr Dzulkefly announced that a Cabinet memorandum on the prohibition of electronic cigarettes would be presented to the Cabinet by the end of this year at the latest.
The MOH had also presented the initial recommendations of the expert committee during the Cabinet meeting yesterday.
