By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, July 1 — The local authorities in Selangor are intensifying enforcement action against advertisements related to e-cigarettes or vape products across all physical media, including digital or LED billboards.
This comes after the state government issued a directive to curb the spread of vape promotion, in line with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS) President Mohamad Hanafi Basri said that they have inspected 29 premises, issuing 22 compounds and delivering 38 notices, including Stop Business Notices and Advertisement Removal Notices.
“Premises operating without a licence will face stern action, while licensed premises that continue to display vape advertisements will also be subject to action if they defy the directive,” he told Media Selangor.
Hanafi emphasised that MPKS will continue to enforce the regulations consistently and will not hesitate to take legal action against any party found to be violating them.
Meanwhile, Klang Mayor Dato' Abd Hamid Hussain said 72 notices have been issued to vape premises in the areas of Sentosa, Meru, Selat Klang, Bandar Baru Klang, and Pandamaran.
“We have given the owners a two-week period to take down the advertisements. If they refuse, enforcement action will be taken. For now, enforcement is limited to advertisements as the ban on business operations has yet to be finalised by the state government,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is gathering data and identifying the locations of vape premises within its jurisdiction.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said that, so far, no vape signboards or advertisements have been detected; however, MBPJ stands ready to take action if any violations occur.
“We are awaiting further instructions from the state government. All data related to vape businesses have already been compiled,” he said.
In May, the state government directed all local authorities to seize and take down all forms of vape product advertisements as a measure to protect the public, especially the younger generation, from the growing threat posed by vaping.
Earlier, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced that a proposal to ban the sale of vape and electronic cigarette products in the state will be tabled in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly session.
Several other states, including Terengganu and Johor, have already enforced similar bans, with Terengganu set to implement the restriction starting on August 1, while Johor has done so since 2016.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay had previously affirmed that state governments have the authority to enforce a ban on vape sales.
