By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, May 20 — The Selangor government has instructed local authorities to immediately seize and remove all vape-related advertisements, both physical and digital, as an initial step to curb the spread of electronic cigarette use in the state.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the decision was made at a recent meeting she chaired involving various agencies, while a final decision on a complete ban on vape sales is still pending.
She said in a press statement today that the move is also part of the state’s commitment to protecting public health, amid growing concerns over vape usage among the younger generation.
“The state is committed to safeguarding public health, especially among youth, as vape use becomes increasingly concerning.”
Jamaliah said the decision to confiscate vape-related advertisements is in line with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), which prohibits all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of electronic smoking products.
She added that a follow-up meeting will be held by her committee soon to evaluate policy directions pertaining to the ban on vape sales, before the matter is tabled and finalised at an upcoming State Executive Council meeting.
Meanwhile, Jamaliah said the recent meeting — which involved the Selangor Health Department, local councils, the State Economic Planning Unit (Upen), and the District Health Department — discussed various issues concerning the use and sale of vapes, including enforcement gaps, legal limitations, and the growing trend of online vape sales, often exploited by underage users.
Citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, she revealed that 14.9 per cent of male teens aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia are vape users, calling it a deeply worrying statistic that demands swift and proactive intervention at the state level.
Jamaliah also urged parents, schools, civil society organisations, and government agencies at both the state and Federal levels to work together in tackling vape use among the youth.
“The state government aims to ensure that every policy introduced takes into account its impact on public health and future generations.
Yesterday, Jamaliah said the state government is likely to reach a decision on banning e-cigarette products within the next two months, noting that the move must be approached with caution and thorough planning.
Previously, Terengganu and Perlis announced a ban on e-cigarette sales statewide starting August 1, while Johor has prohibited sales and licensing since 2016, with enforcement actions taken against violators.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said state administrations have the authority to ban the sale of vapes, expressing concern that their availability could lead to the abuse of new synthetic drugs.
