PENANG will seek more feedback from the relevant parties over the proposed move by the Health Ministry to ban all e-cigarettes soon.
The state will await the ministry's move and monitor the enforcement conducted before a final decision is made, state executive councillor in charge of health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, said.
"We at the state would also take into account the federal government’s final position before making a decision," said Gooi.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad had told the Dewan Rakyat that the government is working towards a complete ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes, or vapes,
He said the Ministry of Health is currently studying the matter, which requires a thorough assessment from legal, industry, government revenue, and licensing perspectives before any such policy can be implemented.
Dzulkefly said that current regulations only restricted the sale of smoking products at specialty stores while not covering other retail outlets or convenience stores.
Gooi said that recent reports showed states which have already implemented a full ban are facing new problems, with e-cigarette products being sold through perfume shops, small appliance outlets and even on the black market.
“If these products flow into the black market, it will be a huge challenge. Apart from the difficulty in tracing the source, there is also the risk of e-cigarette liquids being mixed with soft drugs, which would make enforcement difficult,” he said.
Gooi urged the public to undertake a healthy lifestyle, where any forms of smoking should not be condoned.
He said instead of smoking, people can exercise more and conduct more productive activities, which can benefit their health. – September 4, 2025
