GOVT TO MAINTAIN REGULATING VAPE UNDER CONTROL OF SMOKING PRODUCTS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ACT

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to adopt a regulatory approach to vaping through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which came into force on October 1, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the federal government maintains its position not to ban the sale of vape at the national level, but leaves it to the state governments to determine their respective policies, including banning the sale of vape through local authorities (PBT).

"I think the states have to make their own decisions. We can't ban vaping at this point, so we take the stand to regulate.

"As the first step, of course we want to ban, but if we can't ban, we need to regulate. The unity government maintains that regulation is the best approach for now," he said at a press conference after officiating the celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). 2024 is here today.

He also explained that Act 852 provides a complete legal framework to regulate the entire vape supply chain, including registration, sale, and delivery.

"The ministry's decision to regulate through Act 852 is a comprehensive legislative move. We take an attitude to regulate and not ban vaping altogether," he said.

Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the decree of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who suggested a total ban on the use of vaping in the state.

According to the Sultan, the concern over the increase in drug abuse, especially among the youth in Pahang, is the basis for the recommendation. Based on the statistics of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Al-Sultan Abdullah said the use of vaping is often the gateway to drug addiction directly and indirectly.

It was previously reported that Johor has implemented a ban on selling vape and will take action against any party that sells it openly.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and various other strategic partners today launched the WAAW 2024 celebration.

Themed "Educate. Advocate. Act Now.", this year's celebration emphasised the importance of education, advocacy, and immediate action in the fight against AMR. It aims to raise the awareness of health professionals and the general public regarding the serious threat of AMR.

-- BERNAMA