The end is nigh for the vaping culture in Malaysia.
Ever since Malaysian Health Ministry announced its intentions to ban or regulate vaping, doctors, professionals, and the “vapers” communities have been locked in the debate on whether or not vaping is safe or healthy.
After Johor announced that all sale of vape products including its equipment and liquids will be officially banned starting next year, Kelantan followed suit and became the 2nd state to ban vape stores from next year onwards.
Now, Selangor may become the next state to ban vaping because in a report by The Star Online, Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali said that the government will initiate discussions next year to consider the possibility of imposing a ban on vaping in the state.
According to Azmin, they will be holding a workshop early in the year to study how vaping affects a person’s health.
He said:
The workshop will involve the Health Ministry, youth groups and several non-governmental organisations to look into the health implications of vaping.
“We will look at the conclusions from the workshop before deciding on anything,” he told reporters when met after chairing the weekly Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) meeting in Shah Alam yesterday (17th December).
Azmin also said that his administration did not want to take drastic measures without first getting feedback from professionals. “We want to hear them out first because the people’s health have to be prioritised. We also do not want any social implications if this matter is not handled properly,” he reportedly added.
News of a ban on vaping first surfaced earlier in November after Health Minister Datuk Seri S Subramaniam revealed that vaping will be banned once they have settled the legalities. The ministry then announced that they were looking to implement an excise tax on e-cigarettes and vapes.
Though Malaysia’s Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the Cabinet had decided against imposing a ban on electronic cigarettes/vape or vaping, raids on vape outlets were conducted nationwide. Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, is officially banned in all government schools and public universities as well. A vape trader was recently charged under the Poisons Act 1952 in Kota Baru as well. The case is believed to be the first case against vaping.
What do you think of the ban on vaping? Do you think that it should be banned? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Source: The Star Online.
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