Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) has called on federal authorities to impose a total ban on the sale and use of vape and electronic cigarettes in a bid to safeguard public health. MCPF senior vice-chairman Datuk Sri Ayub Yaakob said the move is crucial to prevent long-term health risks, particularly among youth and minors who are increasingly exposed to these harmful products.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MCPF fully supports the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) efforts to completely ban the sale and use of electronic cigarettes or vapes nationwide. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad previously stated that the MOH is working towards a complete ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes or vapes in Malaysia. He reportedly said that the proposed ban would take into account various factors, including scientific evidence, cases of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), legal considerations, industry and economic impact, as well as enforcement feasibility.

In the statement, Ayub also expressed concern that failure to act swiftly could lead to further public health crises, including the risk of addiction and the misuse of vape as a vehicle for drug consumption. He also urged the MOH to strengthen regulation through the effective implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

Regular monitoring must be carried out to detect illegal online vape sales targeting youth. MCPF also called for coordinated enforcement by agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Royal Malaysia Police, to crack down on the supply and sale of smuggled cigarettes.

MCPF also proposed that awareness campaigns on the dangers of vaping be intensified across both mainstream and social media, with youth leaders, influencers, and medical professionals playing a more important role in sharing accurate information on vaping-associated health risks.