Penang: The Penang government will continue holding engagement sessions with stakeholders on the vape industry before considering implementing a ban on it in the state. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the engagement sessions aim to gather views and suggestions from all parties on the matter.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, last Thursday, Gooi met with representatives from the Vape Entrepreneurs Group Association to listen to the various issues they raised concerning the industry, particularly regarding Act 852 – the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. The representatives expressed concerns about the impact of the act’s implementation on the industry, noting that Act 852 can be considered one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the country compared to other industries.

Gooi stated that the state government is prepared to consider a ban on vape sales if the enforcement of Act 852, which takes effect on October 1, does not yield the desired positive outcomes. He emphasized that a regulatory mechanism for the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced through the act, and the strategy to reduce its usage in Penang must be implemented in a comprehensive and planned manner.

Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad mentioned that state governments have the legal space to implement a ban on the sale of vape products in their respective states.