SHAH ALAM, Oct 9 — The Selangor government has proposed that part of the tax collected from the sale of electronic cigarette (vape) products be channelled to all state governments and local authorities.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said this could ensure the revenue is used to address the negative effects of vape sales and support more comprehensive enforcement actions and public education efforts at the grassroots level.
“For example, the state government and local councils need sufficient resources to carry out integrated enforcement operations on premises illegally selling vapes, especially to teenagers and schoolchildren, as well as implement community advocacy and awareness programmes on the dangers of vape use.
“It can also be used to provide support to educational institutions, the community and local councils in monitoring and preventing vape sales in restricted areas, besides providing rehabilitation for those addicted to nicotine, especially youth,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah said that without proper distribution of resources to state and local governments, enforcement will only be focused at the central level, making it difficult for comprehensive implementation, especially in large states like Selangor.
Meanwhile, she also urged the Health Ministry (MOH) to consider establishing a collaborative mechanism between the federal and state governments for vape control, by taking into account local needs and views.
“The state government believes that close cooperation between the federal, state and local governments can help curb vape sales and use more effectively for the people’s well-being,” Jamaliah added.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni previously said the MOH plans to impose a tenfold hike in taxes on e-cigarette or vape liquid from 40 sen to RM4 per ml of nicotine.
He added that the proposal had been submitted to the Finance Ministry (MOF) to align taxes for vape products with those for conventional tobacco products.
