SHAH ALAM, Aug 12 — Selangor is in the final stage of preparing a proposal to prohibit the sale and use of vape in the state, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
“The proposal will be finalised and presented at the state executive council meeting soon for consideration and further decision,” she told Media Selangor.
On Sunday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry will present an expert committee’s recommendations on banning e-cigarettes, or vapes, to the Cabinet once the study is complete.
He said the proposal would mark a key step towards the ban, adding that it is no longer a matter of “if”, but “when”.
Jamaliah said the state government will align its policy with the Health Ministry’s direction and decision once it is announced.
“This approach ensures any decision made is comprehensive, taking into account the views of various stakeholders, including aspects of public health, enforcement, education, and social and economic impacts.”
In April, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government was looking into the need to ban vaping in Selangor, following a suggestion made by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
Jamaliah had then said a meeting was called with the Menteri Besar’s Office, as well as the Selangor State Health Department, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and local authorities, to gain a comprehensive overview of the enforcement, legal and socio-economic aspects related to vape sales.
On May 20, Jamaliah announced local authorities had been instructed to seize and remove all vape-related advertisements, both physical and digital, to curb the spread of e-cigarette use in the state.
She said the decision was made at a recent meeting she chaired, involving various agencies, and that a decision on a vape sale ban is pending.
Jamaliah added that the move is part of the state’s commitment to safeguarding public health amid growing concerns over vape use among youth.
Terengganu and Perlis have banned e-cigarette sales, effective August 1, while Johor has prohibited vape sales and licensing since 2016 and penalised violators.
