GEORGE TOWN: Penang has signalled its readiness to enforce a full ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, should the cabinet approve a nationwide prohibition.
State Health, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said Penang was aligned with the Health Ministry’s stance after Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that a cabinet memorandum would be tabled to seek a comprehensive ban — covering both sales and usage of vape products.
“We are still awaiting the final announcement, but it is clear that the Health Ministry is fully committed to ensuring this ban is implemented effectively.
“If the cabinet agrees, Penang will fully comply and implement the decision at the state level,” he said to newsmen at his office in Komtar here.
Dzulkefly had recently said that his ministry was aiming to implement a vape ban, beginning with open pod systems, this year. He said they would not compromise in enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
He said the matter would be raised at a cabinet meeting in the near future.
While acknowledging concerns raised by players in the vape industry, Gooi stressed that public health remains the state government’s top priority.
“There is no denying that the industry involves economic interests, and multiple engagement sessions have already been held — not just in Penang, but also at the national level,
“Those views will be considered by the ministry. However, whether it is electronic cigarettes or conventional tobacco, both are harmful to health. On that, there is no compromise,” he added.
He added that although economic considerations exist, Penang remains firmly aligned with the ministry’s policy direction in safeguarding public health.
Encouragingly, Gooi revealed that Penang was among the states that recorded a decline in smoking prevalence, based on findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS).
“The trend is clearly downward. The number of smokers — including both vape users and conventional cigarette smokers — is decreasing, not increasing,” he said, attributing the improvement to stricter enforcement, public education and greater health awareness.
Although detailed figures are still being verified, previous reports indicate that adult smoking prevalence in Penang stands at about 15.2 per cent, with vape usage significantly lower at roughly three per cent or around 38,000 users. This places Penang below many other states nationwide.
Even before any formal ban is announced, Penang plans to step up enforcement against smoking in prohibited areas. Gooi said the state was working closely with the Penang state Health Department and exploring cooperation with airlines and airport authorities.
“International flights already make announcements warning passengers about serious offences like drug trafficking. We want similar announcements to remind visitors that smoking — including vaping — is prohibited in designated areas, especially in George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site, in line with Act 852,” he said.
The state will also intensify public awareness campaigns and enforcement actions against violators, regardless of whether they use electronic or conventional cigarettes.
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