Malaysia Set to Implement Vape Sales Prohibition Rules

The Ministry of Health in Malaysia is gearing up to implement specific regulations and orders related to the prohibition of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) sales, including the sale of vape products through vending machines. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has announced that the Attorney-General’s Chambers is in the final stages of researching and approving these regulations, paving the way for their imminent implementation.

Nationwide Monitoring and Enforcement

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring the sale of e-cigarettes via vending machines nationwide to ensure compliance with the upcoming regulations. The ministry aims to prevent the recurrence of such sales before the official implementation of the new rules.

“We will monitor nationwide on this matter (sale of e-cigarettes via vending machines) so that it does not recur before we implement the regulations and orders, which are in the final stages in the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” stated Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad while addressing reporters at the opening ceremony of the Health Malaysia National Agenda and ‘Karnival Perlis Hebat: Sihat Milik Semua’ at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) on Saturday, July 13.

Recent Action Against Vape Product Sales

The announcement comes on the heels of a recent incident where a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur was ordered to cease selling electronic cigarettes via a vending machine. The Health Ministry took action following a complaint it received regarding the sale of vape products from the vending machine, which had gone viral on the X application.

Health Malaysia National Agenda

During the opening ceremony, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also highlighted the Health Malaysia National Agenda, a government initiative aimed at improving health standards and promoting a culture of healthy living among Malaysians. The National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted last year revealed alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the country.

According to the survey, 29.2% of adults in Malaysia suffer from high blood pressure, while 33.3% have high cholesterol. Additionally, 15.6% of adults are diagnosed with diabetes, and 54.4% of Malaysians are overweight, indicating an increasing trend compared to surveys conducted in 2011, 2015, and 2019.

Malaysia’s Internationally Recognized Health System

Despite the challenges faced in terms of non-communicable diseases, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized Malaysia’s well-organized health system, which has garnered international recognition. During his attendance at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May, Malaysia’s health system was praised for its comprehensive structure, spanning from village clinics to community clinics, health clinics, secondary and tertiary hospitals, and centers of excellence that offer international standard services.

As Malaysia prepares to implement the prohibition on e-cigarette sales and continues its efforts to promote healthy living, the government remains committed to safeguarding public health and addressing the growing concerns surrounding non-communicable diseases in the country.

Source: Rules on prohibition of e-cigarette sales expected to be implemented soon

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.