Malaysia's Ministry Of Health: E-cigarette Vending Machines Will Be Shut Down

Malaysia's Ministry of Health: E-cigarette vending machines will be shut down

The Malaysian Ministry of Health said that the sale and display of all smoking products through vending machines will be completely banned after the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024 comes into effect.

 

According to Freemalaysiatoday on July 112, the Malaysian Ministry of Health said that under the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024, the sale of e-cigarettes through vending machines is prohibited.

 

The management of a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur has stopped operating e-cigarette vending machines on its premises due to concerns about the easy access of such products to the public.

 

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said that it had met with the management to explain the regulations prohibiting the sale and display of smoking products.

 

The statement pointed out that the sale of e-cigarettes through vending machines is prohibited under the Food Act 1983 and Section 10 of the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2004.

 

"The Ministry of Health advised the management to immediately stop the operation of the vending machine, and as a social responsibility, they agreed and complied with this advice."

 

According to FMT, social media users have expressed strong opposition to the e-cigarette vending machines set up in a well-known shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.

 

FMT's inspection found that customers can easily purchase vaping products by selecting their preferred products through a touchscreen interface and paying through e-wallets such as Boost, GrabPay or Touch 'n Go.

 

In its statement, the Ministry of Health also mentioned that the upcoming implementation of the Public Health Control of Smoking Products Bill 2024 (also known as Bill 852) will ban the sale and display of all smoking products through vending machines.

 

"The regulations are currently being finalized and will come into effect at the same time as Bill 852 once approved."

 

The Ministry of Health also said that since June 9, briefings have been conducted nationwide for law enforcement officers and local authorities to prepare for the implementation of Bill 852 and its related regulations.