The Selangor government will convene a meeting soon to deliberate on a proposal to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products in the state, following a call by deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay last week.
Public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said a comprehensive review of the proposal is being carried out, and the meeting would involve relevant state and federal agencies.
“We take this issue seriously and will ensure that the views of all stakeholders are considered before any decision is made,” she said in a statement.
Terengganu is set to become the first state to ban the sale of vape products at business premises starting Aug 1.
Ayob Khan had suggested that state governments should restrict the sale of e-cigarettes, citing growing concerns over synthetic drug abuse through vape devices.
He said Terengganu recorded the second-highest rate of drug abuse in the country, with 914 cases per 100,000 population.
Jamaliah said business licences currently issued by local councils in Selangor only cover electronic equipment and do not include the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape liquids.
“At the federal level, the regulation of smoking products, including vape, falls under the jurisdiction of the health ministry and the Selangor health department, as stipulated in the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024,” she said.
She said the domestic trade and cost of living ministry will also be involved in discussions to assess the implications of enforcing the ban.
“The state government is committed to ensuring that every policy made prioritises public health and the overall well-being of Selangor’s people,” she said.
