KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 ― Umno-linked daily Utusan Malaysia called today for vaping to be regulated like cigarette smoking, after the Johor government decided to ban vape outlets starting next year due to the state sultan’s decree.

Utusan Malaysia’s editorial voice Awang Selamat pointed out that although studies show that smoking cigarettes is harmful, cigarettes are not banned but regulated instead with age limits and smoke-free zones.

“Awang is confident that such a method can also be used for the sale and use of vape,” Awang Selamat said today.

Pertubuhan Ikatan Usahawan Kecil dan Sederhana Malaysia (Ikhlas) told Utusan Malaysia that it has requested Johor Sultan, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, to review his statement calling for vape outlets to be banned by January 1.

“Even though we obey Sultan Ibrahim’s decree, I believe that many traders are disappointed with the Johor Sultan’s actions,” Ikhlas president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah was quoted saying.

The Malay Vape Traders Association (PPVM) told Utusan Malaysia that it has written a letter to Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressing their concern about the ban on vape sales.

Johor state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Abdul Latiff Bandi has reportedly said that traders who sold electronic cigarettes after January 1 would face a fine of up to RM2,000 and risk having their licenses revoked and goods confiscated.

In an interview with The Star published Sunday, Sultan Ibrahim said he wanted vape outlets to be shuttered by January 1 over health concerns.