KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 — While several other states have begun cracking down on the vape trade, the Malacca government has said entrepreneurs can still set up shop within its borders.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) state government also gave an assurance it will continue giving out licences to traders until the federal government decides on whether to impose a total ban on vape products or to introduce laws to regulate the industry.

“We will continue to provide them the opportunity to generate income but they should abide by any new laws, including a ban, if decided by the Federal Government,” state Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Datuk Ismail Othman was reported by The Sunday Star as telling reporters in Malacca yesterday.

According to the report, Ismail said the vape industry was not widespread in Malacca and the state government did not want to “demoralise” those starting out in business and had invested much in it by imposing a ban.

“So we do not mind rendering them a helping hand until the laws are changed,” he said.

The state executive councillor also said the local council had given out 20 licences to vape traders a few days ago and added that applicants were still welcome, but reminded the new businesses to stay legitimate as the council is not responsible for the contents of their liquids.

Putrajaya has banned the sale of nicotine-laced vape liquids under the Poisons Act 1952 (Revised 1989).

Another Malacca state executive councillor Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron was also reported in the same article as saying that vape users in the state who were slapped with compounds for vaping in non-smoking zones can challenge it in court.

“If users are issued a compound for vaping in non-smoking zones, they can contest it in court, provided they can prove that their devices were not emitting nicotine-laced vapours,” he was quoted as saying by The Sunday Star.

The historical state has 21 smoke-free areas in its capital and several other towns.

Johor and Kelantan have declared a ban on vape stores from January 1 while other states like Penang and Selangor are taking a cue and have begun a crackdown.