Malaysian Health Minister: Comprehensive Ban On Electronic Cigarettes Difficult To Implement, States Can Independently Formulate Policies

Malaysian Health Minister: Comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes difficult to implement, states can independently formulate policies

The Malaysian government is adopting a wait-and-see attitude towards a comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes. The Minister of Health supports taking gradual measures, and local governments can independently decide whether to ban their sales. Johor's approach can serve as a reference for other states, which have banned the sale of electronic cigarettes in commercial places since 2016.

According to Utusan Malaysia on November 19th, the Malaysian government stated that it is not yet time to completely ban products such as electronic cigarettes, although some developed countries have implemented relevant bans.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that if any state government wishes to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes, they will not oppose it.

If you ask me if it's possible, I really hope to ban e-cigarettes, but perhaps I can follow the example of Johor and not allow the sale of e-cigarettes in stores

Yesterday (19th), Sultan Abdullah of Pahang state expressed full support for the ban on electronic cigarettes, calling them the root cause of drug addiction. The Minister of Health expressed gratitude for Sudan's suggestion, but emphasized that the government has its own gradual approach, such as implementing relevant measures through publicity and other means.

If you look at the implementation of Law 852 since October 1st, Malaysia is indeed moving in this direction, but the government's position is not to immediately declare it illegal

He mentioned that the bill was officially promulgated on February 1st, although some political parties hoped that the government would change its stance. He believes that Pahang state can follow the example of Johor, which has become the first state since 2016 to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in all commercial venues and no longer issue operating licenses for related stores. He pointed out that if other states want to curb the addiction to electronic cigarettes, they can also follow the policies of Johor.