Malaysia to ban vapes & e-cigarettes

Malaysia is set to impose a complete ban on electronic cigarettes and vaporisers, but gradually, and in stages.

The country's Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Sep. 10 that the gradual ban will first target "open-system" vape devices, reported New Straits Times (NST).

His announcement came as a response to Senator Baharuddin Ahmad's question on whether the government will ban vape sales fully to prevent harmful diseases among the population.

Ban to take effect in phases

Dzulkefly confirmed that the ban will be enforced progressively, starting with "open-system" vapes and gradually other types.

"Open-system" vapes are those that can be reused and manually refilled with vaporiser liquid.

While the timeline is not set out in stone, he said that he has already been in detailed talks with various government ministries and agencies as a first step.

These authorities include the Malaysian Finance Ministry, Customs Department, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and more.

The health minister also said in a written reply in the Dewan Negara that the government's findings and proposed plan for the nationwide ban will be submitted to the Cabinet for policy approval.

Six states in Malaysia have also decided to stop issuing or renewing vape sales licences through their local authorities.

These states include Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang.

Top photos via Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad/Facebook and Canva