THE Selangor government is formulating a plan to gradually ban the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products, adopting what it describes as a "soft landing" approach to ensure the transition is balanced and considerate of all stakeholders.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said discussions are actively being held with the Selangor State Health Department and various other parties to ensure the planned prohibition does not unduly burden businesses or workers in the industry.
“We are also waiting for feedback and views from different stakeholders to explore how a ‘soft landing’ can be implemented, as these businesses also employ workers,” he said on Tuesday, following the handover ceremony of e-bikes to Selangor police at the State Contingent Headquarters (IPK) in Shah Alam.
Nonetheless, Amirudin stressed that public health remains the state government's primary concern, especially in light of growing cases involving the abuse of illicit substances such as cannabis and the recent discovery of vape products containing liquid forms of ‘magic mushrooms’.
“We are concerned about other side effects, including the misuse of substances such as cannabis and magic mushrooms, which have already been detected in several cases,” he said.
According to Amirudin, the State Executive Councillor for Public Health and Environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, is currently preparing a detailed proposal outlining the policy and enforcement guidelines for the implementation of the ban.
“One of the main issues we are addressing is the confusion arising from enforcement actions in other states, where sales are banned but usage is not,” he added.
He assured that the final decision on the ban would be comprehensive, taking into account geographical, health, economic, and enforcement considerations to ensure it is practical and realistic.
“Some states have declared a ban on sales, but the guidelines are unclear—for instance, sales are prohibited, yet vaping is allowed.
“Moreover, Selangor’s proximity to Kuala Lumpur creates enforcement challenges—areas such as Ampang are only 15 minutes away from the capital, making it easy to purchase vape products there,” he said. - June 3, 2025
