PENANG will meet producers and retailers of vape and electronic cigarettes before deciding whether it is viable to ban the product.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the meeting will be held soon with state executive councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen who has been appointed to oversee the matter.
"We were informed that a ban will only see the operators and retailers going underground. So, we need to find a balance here," Chow told a press conference.
Earlier, Chow launched the Global Business Solution Industry Academy 2.0 to power and train 500 GenAI talent by 2026 initiative at St Giles Wembley Hotel in George Town.
Elaborating on the vapes and electronic smokes, Chow said that there is a need to be fair to all quarters.
The issue blew up because the Health Ministry empowered all states to ban the use of such devices because it is similar to original cigarettes and is seen as bad for public health.
Chow said that a study will also be conducted by the state to determine the impact of the ban on the macro -economic conditions in the state.
"We urge all operators and peddlers of such devices to use the opportunity to discuss with the state."
Previously, Chow said the state would consider the proposal to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes at all business premises throughout Penang.
Meanwhile, the state customs and excise department seized 86,086 electronic cigarette or vape devices and 996.5 litres of vape liquid worth RM5.17 million including taxes in two separate raids in April.
State customs and excise department director Rohaizad Ali said the raids, at the North Butterworth container terminal (NBCT) and Port Klang, also led to the arrests of three men, including a Chinese national.
The seizure was done on grounds that the items were left undeclared by the importer. - June 6, 2025.
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