SEPANG, Dec 22 ― The National Fatwa Council has ruled that smoking electronic cigarettes or vaping is forbidden, says its chairman, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin.

He disclosed this after the Special Muzakarah (Conference) of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs in Malaysia here last night.

He said the decision was made after taking into consideration all aspects, including from the point of view of syariah (Islamic law), medical and scientific which found electronic cigarettes were wasteful and harmful to health.

“Two papers in connection with the health and syariah aspects were presented today,” he added.

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The muzakarah was also attended by state muftis, deputy muftis and members appointed by the Conference of Rulers.

Abdul Shukor said studies from the health point of view were also taken into account, through information obtained from the World Health Organisation which had collected information on the effects of vaping worldwide.

“In fact, health experts also found that vape and electronic cigarettes could not help smokers and heavy smokers to quit smoking,” he said.

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Abdul Shukor said the edict was issued based on the “Qaedah Saad al-Zarala” method, namely to prevent something far more worse in the future.

He said the use of electronic cigarettes and vape could be equated with smoking conventional cigarettes, which contained a variety of toxic substances.

“Local authorities or the governments can decide on the banning of vape if there is public interest and benefits.

“Tonight's decision is also in line with the opinions of several other Muslim countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.”

In line with the decision made, Abdul Shukor also recommended other states to follow the decision decreed by the National Fatwa Council. ― Bernama