Malaysia’s health minister said the possibility of a total ban on vapes would be seriously considered if necessary. At present, the key is to regulate the use of vapes and, if required, implement a ban.
As recently reported by NST, Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the Health Ministry would seriously consider the possibility of a total ban on vapes nationwide if necessary.
The health minister said the current priority is to regulate and control the use of vapes through strict measures, including mandatory product registration. This requirement has led to 80% of vape brands being removed from the market.
He noted that while there appeared to be a lack of “political will” to pursue a blanket ban like that of a neighboring country (Singapore), he was confident that the issue would be dealt with in light of the actual situation in the country. If the situation so requires, the Ministry of Health will revisit the issue. A total ban could be imposed, as suggested by Afiq Mohd Nor, president of Ikram Health Association Malaysia.
For now, Zukifiri stresses that he needs to convince civil society to trust current laws and regulations.
Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said Malaysia had missed an opportunity to introduce similar restrictions in Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei, with the Health minister having mooted plans for a total ban as early as 2015. But all were declared failures.
However, he noted that with the implementation of the Tobacco Product Control Act, the government will continue to focus on strict compliance with laws and regulations.
