Malaysian Health Minister: New e-cigarette regulations are expected to be officially implemented in August 1 day ago

Malaysian Health Minister: New e-cigarette regulations are expected to be officially implemented in August

Malaysia plans to implement new strict regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products in August to fill existing legal loopholes. The Minister of Health said that although the implementation of the regulations has been postponed several times, the relevant laws and orders are expected to come into effect in August.

 

According to The Star on July 1, Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly bin Ahmad said that stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products may be implemented in August.

 

The Minister of Health said that despite multiple delays, the Ministry of Health is still doing its best to get the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) to approve Regulation No. 2b and Order. He said that these regulations will be implemented in parallel with the Public Health Control of Smoking Products Act 2024 (Act No. 852).

 

Replying to a user Aisehman on X (formerly Twitter), Dzulkefly said,

 

"While I fully understand the anxiety caused by the delay in the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), I hope you can understand that the Ministry of Health is doing its best to get Section 2b approved by the Attorney General's Chambers."

 

He also added that three regulations have been approved, and another two regulations and an order are awaiting approval.

 

"Eventually…these regulations and orders will be implemented in August along with Act 852. God willing, there will be no more delays."

 

On June 8 this year, Dzulkefly had said that e-cigarettes would be strictly regulated under the Control of Smoking Products Public Health Act 2024 in June. The Act was enacted in February this year, but a check by The Star on the Attorney General's Chambers federal legislation website showed that the Act "has not yet come into force."

 

Currently, the use of e-cigarettes is regulated under the Food Act and the Tobacco Products Control Regulations.

 

Recently, the Malaysian Medical Association also expressed concerns that the delay in implementing the new regulations has led to significant public health risks and allowed the e-cigarette industry to exploit regulatory loopholes.

 

The presence of a large number of e-cigarette kiosks, especially near educational institutions, has raised concerns about the use of e-cigarettes near these places.