IPOH, Oct 1 — The Perak state government will implement a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes in all business premises under the jurisdiction of the local authorities across the state, beginning January 1 next year.
State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the decision was made at the State Executive Council Meeting (MMK) today.
“This decision was also reached following the presentation of the proposed policy paper on the ban of electronic cigarette sales licences at the MMK last week.
“This decision is a firm and bold move to protect public health, particularly the younger generation, from the risks posed by electronic cigarettes,” he said during a press conference at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan today.
Sivanesan added that the state government, through the local authorities, would also not approve or renew the business licences of any premises selling electronic cigarette products, in line with the decision made.
Any business premises found violating the order would be subject to legal action by the local authorities.
“We are also giving all premises with remaining stocks of electronic cigarette products time to sell them before the full ban takes effect on January 1 next year,” he said.
To assist operators and workers of vape shops affected by the ban, the state government has introduced entrepreneurship courses and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes through various agencies.
“We are not only offering courses, but qualified individuals will also be offered employment, particularly in the TVET field, which is estimated to have more than 12,000 vacancies in the state.
“This measure indirectly allows them to transition to a safer and more sustainable business sector,” Sivanesan said.
So far, six states — Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang — have implemented the initial ban, which includes the decision not to issue or renew licenses for the sale of electronic cigarettes.
