In a report by The Star Online, the Education Ministry announced that vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, is banned in all government schools with immediate effect.
This announcement is coming a few weeks after Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said that vaping and smoking are banned in 20 public universities in Malaysia.
Students are not the only ones being prohibited from vaping in schools. Parents, teachers, school staff members, and anyone entering the 10,100 government schools nationwide are also barred from bringing vape devices or e-cigarettes into the school compound.
Regarding the decision to put a ban on vaping in government schools, Education Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Ahmad Tajudin Jab stated that authorities had to carry out this drastic measure after receiving reports of students picking up this unhealthy habit.
He said in a directive to all state education departments:
Canteen operators, security guards, gardeners and cleaners will also be required to comply with this ruling.
He added that action would be taken against anyone who breached the rule.
News of a ban on vaping 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.
Johor also announced earlier in December that all sale of vape products including its equipment and liquids are officially banned from next year.
What do you think of the ban on vaping in government schools? Do you think that it was an appropriate decision? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Source: The Star Online.
