Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok has called on the Malaysian Health Ministry to table amendments to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852) to enforce a complete ban on vapes and electronic cigarettes this year. Citing growing public health concerns, Kok urged the government to emulate countries like Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, and Argentina, which have implemented outright prohibitions.
Kok dismissed the idea that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking as a "dangerous misconception," highlighting its links to lung disease, respiratory damage, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. She pointed to alarming Health Ministry data revealing that 70% of tested vape products contained banned substances like methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids, and that 80% of vape-related cases investigated in 2024 involved drug abuse.
"These numbers clearly demonstrate that vape products are not just hazardous to health, they have become conduits for smuggling and substance abuse, particularly among youths," Kok stated, demanding urgent and uncompromising action to protect the younger generation.
Her call comes as Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that his ministry is considering a total ban, though he noted it requires careful study of legal and enforcement implications. Several Malaysian states, including Johor, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu, have already moved to ban vape sales within their jurisdictions.
- News source: Kok pushes for complete vape ban this year
