Kuala lumpur: The Health Ministry (MOH) is in the process of drafting a Cabinet Memorandum on the proposed ban of electronic cigarettes or vapes to ensure its implementation is planned thoroughly and comprehensively. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the memorandum, which will outline the details and phases of the ban, will be presented to the Cabinet once completed. He urged all parties to be patient, as further announcements regarding the timeline and mechanism will follow.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized that he cannot pre-empt the Cabinet’s decision. He mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim fully supports this initiative and has requested to ensure everything is in order. The memorandum is expected to be presented to the Cabinet by the end of the year, following an initial proposal submitted by an expert committee.

In a related development, Dzulkefly urged more private hospitals to adopt the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to promote breastfeeding. He noted that while all 128 government hospitals nationwide have received BFHI recognition, only 31 out of 180 private hospitals (17.2 percent) have done so. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 1,000 days of life is crucial for physical growth, brain development, and disease prevention, making it a key intervention for long-term health.

Dzulkefly highlighted that the BFHI aligns with the Malaysian National Nutrition Policy’s objective to reduce diet-related non-communicable diseases and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. He also praised Pusrawi Specialist Hospital Kuala Lumpur for being the first private hospital in Malaysia to offer an induced lactation clinic for adoptive mothers, supporting them in experiencing the meaningful journey of breastfeeding.

“This initiative helps strengthen the emotional bond between adoptive mothers and their children, reflecting BFHI’s aspiration to provide comprehensive support and a positive motherhood experience,” he said.