The Selangor state government is currently refining a proposed ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes), taking a careful approach that balances public health concerns with economic considerations.
According to The Star and Business Today, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that the state is actively engaging with vape business operators and industry stakeholders to gather feedback and counter-proposals before finalising any policy decisions.
Avoid affecting business unfairly
“Our goal is to protect public health, particularly the younger generation, without unfairly affecting entrepreneurs and their employees,” he said.
These business owners have families to support, and we’re mindful of that.”
Amirudin also raised concerns about the potential for wider substance misuse, including mushrooms and marijuana, although he noted that such cases remain limited at present.
Comprehensive policy paper in the works
The State Public Health and Environment Committee, led by Jamaliah Jamaludin, is currently preparing a comprehensive policy paper that will serve as the foundation for Selangor’s future stance on vape regulations.
Amirudin stressed that the upcoming policy will consider economic, social, and geographical factors to ensure that it is both practical and effective.
“One of our challenges is enforcement,” Amirudin told the media.
Even if we ban vape sales in Selangor, people can still cross into KL — which may be just 15 minutes away — and buy it there. That’s a very different scenario from states on the East Coast.”
This issue of cross-border accessibility remains a key consideration as the state mulls over the feasibility of implementing a standalone ban.
