KUANTAN: Beginning tomorrow (Jan 1), the Pahang government will enforce a statewide ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes.
Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said the decision is final, with no plans for deferment.
“Effective Jan 1, 2026, the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes in Pahang will be prohibited. All premises selling electronic cigarettes, including vape liquids, will no longer be licensed,” he told the New Straits Times today.
In August this year, vape shop operators across Pahang were given until today (Dec 31) to clear their stocks.
In June, Pahang Islamic Religious Affairs, Rural Development and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said the Pahang Mufti’s Department had issued a fatwa prohibiting the use of vapes after the matter was raised at the Pahang State Executive Council meeting on May 14.
Last year, the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, called for a ban on vaping following a rise in drug addiction cases in the state.
Meanwhile, Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim said that since August this year, all 11 local authorities in Pahang had stopped issuing licences for the sale of vape products.
Kuantan Mayor Datuk Zaliza Zulkipli said enforcement officers would conduct checks to ensure compliance in the state capital.
Several vape traders in Kuantan said today would be their final day of operations, with some having moved their supplies to outlets outside the state.
A trader near Jalan Tun Ismail said he was aware of the ban and had not restocked since October.
“Most vape outlets have already closed, and only a few, including me, will operate until midnight today. Traders will comply as we do not want to face action from the authorities,” he said.
Pahang joins Perlis, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor and Kedah in banning vape products.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
