PENANG plans to support the initiatives of the Health Ministry in an outright ban on e - cigarettes or vaping.
Despite the obvious protests from smokers, state exco for health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said that if e - cigarettes and vaping are proven to endanger public health then it is fair for the state authorities to support the ban.
It is just that the ministry has yet to furnish the full details on how the ban would be enforced, said Gooi.
"We are awaiting the full directive and we have no qualms about complying," he told a press conference.
Gooi said that Penang is ready to adopt the ban with the help of various enforcement agencies and divisions.
It was reported that Penang's adult smoking prevalence was around 15.2%, translating to tens of thousands of smokers, with vape use lower at about 3% (around 38,000 people using e-cigarettes).
It is lower than many other Malaysian states, with enforcement ongoing against illegal sales and smoking in prohibited areas in the works.
Gooi said that instead of smoking, people can take up healthy living such as by indulging in fitness activities.
"We know that smoking is outright bad for public health and can cause various complications to the wellness."
Hence, it is logical to give it up, said Gooi, adding that there is help being provided by the health authorities on trying to discard the smoking habit.
Earlier, Gooi said that Penang will mark the closing ceremony of the ongoing South East Asian (SEA) biennial Games on Sunday at 4pm.
This is to encouraging sporting activities as an alternative to an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle.
The live telecast on a big screen would be held at the Bayan Lepas Waterfront Foodie area from 4pm.
This event is important because Malaysia would host the next SEA Games in 2027 with Penang playing host to some of the medal - sporting event, said Gooi.
There would be a carnival - like environment at the event while the crowd can mingle with former state athletes and sports' officials, said Gooi. - December 18, 2025.
