Johor bahru: The government has announced its decision to enforce a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and vape products, as confirmed by Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Cabinet Memorandum (MJM) detailing this initiative is scheduled to be presented early next year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly revealed that the MJM is in the final stages of preparation for Cabinet submission, following an earlier postponement. He emphasized the government's commitment to moving forward with the ban, indicating that the primary consideration now is determining the precise timing. Dr Dzulkefly expressed confidence that the ban would be fully implemented by mid-2026 or, at the latest, by the end of the following year.

The decision to press ahead with the ban is attributed to increasing concerns about health risks associated with vape use, particularly the presence of liquids laced with prohibited substances like synthetic cannabis. Dr Dzulkefly stressed the urgency of addressing these risks during a press conference following his visit to Hospital Permai, where he was accompanied by State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tiang Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut.

Dr Dzulkefly also mentioned the formation of a special committee, led by Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari and public health consultant Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman. The committee is currently examining the societal effects and legal ramifications of the proposed ban.

Previously, Dr Dzulkefly had informed the Dewan Negara in a written response that the ban's implementation would occur in stages. It will initially target open-system devices before extending to encompass all vape products.