Penang urges swift action on nationwide vape ban

GEORGE TOWN - The Penang government hopes the federal government will expedite efforts to implement a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes to protect the younger generation from nicotine addiction.

State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said Penang welcomed recent developments at the federal level, particularly the government’s decision not to appeal a court ruling concerning the exemption of liquid nicotine from the Poisons List.

He described the decision as a positive step towards achieving a comprehensive ban on vaping products in the country.

"I think that is a very bold move that the federal government has decided not to appeal that court decision, with the vision or with the progress of having a total ban of e-cigarettes in the country.

"We hope that there will be quick progress in terms of how we can work together to establish the ban that will be enforced throughout the country,” he told a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the opening of the 10th Asia-Pacific Smoke-Free Meeting here today.

On May 15, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the government’s 2023 decision to exempt nicotine liquids and gels used in vaping products from the Poisons List was unlawful and irrational, citing a failure of proper consultation with the Poisons Board. The government subsequently withdrew its appeal against the ruling on Aug 18.

Gooi said Penang remained committed to enforcing existing provisions under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) while awaiting further decisions and directives from the federal government.

He also expressed concern over the tobacco industry’s promotion of newer nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, which he said posed growing public health challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.

"They use slick and vibrant packaging, enticing flavours, and social media influencers to hook our young people, the vast majority of whom were never smokers to begin with,” he said.

Meanwhile, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) executive director Dr Ulysses Dorotheo said eight of the 11 ASEAN countries had already introduced bans on e-cigarettes.

"If Malaysia were to ban these products, you would then be the ninth country, and we would just have my country (the Philippines) and Indonesia left,” he said.

Dorotheo stressed that regional cooperation was essential to counter the tobacco industry’s influence and strengthen measures to protect young people from nicotine addiction.

SEATCA board chairman Dr Somsak Chunharas, meanwhile, stressed the importance of local authorities and civil society organisations in countering the influence of social media messages promoting vaping and other nicotine products among young people.

He said community-level advocacy and education were crucial to changing public perceptions and discouraging the use of such products, particularly among the younger generation.

The two-day meeting, themed "Sustaining the Smoke-free Legacy Against the New Tide of Nicotine”, brings together about 180 delegates from government agencies, civil society organisations and the media, representing 13 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting aims to strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices in implementing smoke-free policies and address emerging public health challenges posed by e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other nicotine products.

George Town, a silver award recipient of the second ASEAN Smoke-Free Award, will also share its experience in implementing smoke-free measures, including through a study tour for delegates attending the meeting. - BERNAMA