New stricter vaping regulations to be enforced this month, says Dr Dzul

PORT DICKSON: The use of electronic cigarettes will be strictly regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, to be enforced this month.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the use of electronic cigarettes would still regulated under the Food Act and the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations.

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“Laws and regulations (regarding the proposal to ban vaping) can be reviewed and amended if necessary, for public health reasons,” he said after the Clean, Smoke-Free Premises walkabout programme at Port Dickson Waterfront here on Saturday (June 8).

However, he said that the supervision regulations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 would be implemented first.

The act heavily regulates smoking products, including vape.

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He said any other proposals would be considered following existing procedures and should be discussed.

Regarding the event, Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry awarded the “Clean and Safe” recognition to six food premises at the waterfront.

He said recognition is key to ensuring compliance with food hygiene regulations and no-smoking rules on food premises.

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Dr Dzulkefly said that, until April this year, 38,347 summonses were issued for non-compliance with the ban on smoking in prohibited areas under Regulation 11(1) of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations.

“Under Regulation 11(1)(d) of the Act, which prohibits smoking in dining areas, a total of 16,705 summonses were issued until April,” he said.

He said states with the highest number of summonses for smoking in dining areas were Selangor (6,174), Pahang (5,054) and Johor (3,824). – BK