Health Ministry lauds Johor Sultan for vape ban

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 — The Health Ministry today commended the Johor Sultan on his decision to prohibit vape or e-cigarette sellers from operating in his state from 2016.

Health Minister Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam also expressed hope that the decision will lead to exemplary improvements in the wellbeing of Johor residents for other states to heed.

“The Health Ministry praises the decree by His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar as it prioritises the health of the people above all else.

“The move is further appreciated as it is in line with the ministry’s aim to achieve a smoke-free generation of Malaysians by 2045,” Subramaniam said in a statement today.

Subramaniam said the Johor ruler’s decree will help his ministry control and monitor the vaping industry, which he said was currently not regulated.

Sultan Ibrahim said his state will apply local regulations to prohibit vape outlets once the grace period of December has ended.

He also criticised politicians who were supporting the vaping industry, asking the unnamed leaders if they would be similarly supportive if their children were the customers of the e-cigarette sellers.

The vaping industry came in for Putrajaya’s attention when the Health Ministry announced that it was considering a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes due to possible health concerns.

But this revelation prompted the appearance of Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as a cheerleader of sorts for the industry, disclosing positive news from the Cabinet ahead of official disclosure from the Health Ministry.

Ismail went on to encourage vape traders to expand both locally and abroad even as the Health Ministry raided outlets and seized vape liquids containing nicotine, a controlled substance that may only be dispensed by pharmacists according to local laws.

Local trade group Pertubuhan Ikatan Usahawan Kecil dan Sederhana Malaysia (Ikhlas) suggested previously that Subramaniam would not have launched the crackdown if vape traders were largely Indian rather than Malays.