Malaysia does not need to impose a vaping ban like the Maldives, as the country already has robust regulations to control smoking and tobacco products, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Tuesday.
Answering questions during a press conference at Prince Court Medical Centre, Dr Dzulkefly stated that Malaysia’s Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) provides comprehensive legislation tailored to address vaping and other smoking-related issues.
“We don’t need to follow other countries’ examples,” he said when asked if Malaysia should emulate the Maldives, which recently announced a nationwide ban on vaping devices and products. “During the early stages of drafting this legislation, we took benchmarks and best practices from across the world. However, at this point, we already have our own stand-alone law to regulate smoking products, enforce orders, and apply the necessary regulations.”
The Health Minister emphasised that Malaysia’s regulatory framework is designed to address the complexities of tobacco control in the local context. “You don’t have to keep looking at others for guidance because we already have ours, which is comprehensive and can manage issues related to smoking control,” he added.
Dr Dzulkefly’s remarks came shortly after the Maldives became the latest country to ban e-cigarettes. President Mohamed Muizzu directed the relevant authorities to prohibit the import, possession, and sale of vaping products, effective 15 December 2024, citing concerns over public health. The Maldivian government’s move is part of a broader effort to curb nicotine addiction and mitigate potential long-term health risks associated with vaping.
While countries like the Maldives have moved towards prohibition, Malaysia is opting for a regulatory approach that balances control with individual freedoms. Dr Dzulkefly’s comments came during the launch of the “Cik Era Chatbot” – a new AI-powered programme on the JomQuit portal designed to help Malaysians quit smoking.
The minister pointed out that vaping products, like traditional cigarettes, are covered under Malaysia’s existing law, which ensures strict oversight on the sale, advertisement, and use of these products. He also reiterated that the government is focused on enforcing the current legislation, which he believes adequately addresses concerns about nicotine addiction and potential health risks.
The use of flavouring agents and additives in vaping liquids has raised global health concerns, with studies suggesting that these substances can lead to nicotine dependency and the formation of carcinogenic compounds. However, rather than implementing a ban, Malaysia is pushing for informed use and strong regulation.