Malaysian Health Minister: Vape Ban is No Longer an ‘If’

Malaysia Vape Ban

The Malaysian Health Ministry is committed to a ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes and will present an expert committee’s recommendation to the Cabinet once a comprehensive study is complete, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed. “We are committed to this (vape ban); it is no longer a matter of ‘if’,” he stated firmly.

Speaking after a health carnival, Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized that the primary goal is to protect minors and students from exposure to vaping. He highlighted the early success of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), noting that its enforcement has already had a significant impact. Since the Act’s implementation, the number of smoking product variants in the market has plummeted from 6,824 to just 2,794 as of June, a reduction of nearly 60%.

“With strict enforcement, I am confident we can effectively regulate cigarette and vape sales,” he said, reiterating that Act 852 will be enforced firmly to regulate all smoking products for the sake of public health while the full ban is being deliberated.

Matthew Ma
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