GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to implement a full ban on the sale of vaping products. The call comes after Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the prohibition would be introduced in stages.
CAP anti-smoking activist and education officer N.V. Subbarow said the association welcomed the minister’s announcement, but was concerned about the staged approach, arguing for an immediate and comprehensive ban instead. He said the widespread use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, among students and young people in Malaysia was out of control.
“Vaping has become a significant public health concern, particularly with the increasing number of young girls and teenagers involved. The time to act is not tomorrow. It is today,” Subbarow said.
The federal government would impose a full ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes as part of efforts to curb their misuse. Dzulkefly said the ban would begin with open-system vape devices and gradually extend to all types of vape products until the entire category is covered.
Subbarow said both vaping and tobacco products are dangerous and addictive, containing toxic substances that pose long-term health risks. He also pointed out the disturbing trend of vapes being mixed with prohibited substances, making the situation even more hazardous.
“We do not understand why several state governments, including Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang, have yet to act on banning vape sales or renewing the necessary licenses through their local authorities,” he said. “We call on these states to follow the federal government’s lead and take immediate action to protect young people.
“Vaping has now evolved into a more serious narcotics problem, and further delay in taking action will only worsen the situation,” he added.
Subbarow said a blanket ban on vaping was crucial for safeguarding future generations from the health and societal risks posed by the product, given concerns over the growing ‘vape culture’ among youth.
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