KUALA LUMPUR: The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has strongly endorsed the Malaysian Government’s decision to implement a phase out, full ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, calling it a decisive step to protect public health.
“This bold move reflects the government’s commitment to protect public health, particularly young Malaysians, from the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction,” said Chief Executive of the Galen Centre, Azrul Mohd Khalib.
“This phased approach, beginning with open-system vapourisers which are easily modified, misused and spiked with adulterated vape liquids and drugs such as etomidate, is the right thing to do.
“We have to be firm and pragmatic on this matter,” he stressed.
Azrul added that Malaysia is “finally taking the right step in tackling a growing public health crisis”, aligning with Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s recent written reply to the Dewan Negara outlining the government’s plan.
He noted that while the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 has been introduced, enforcement remains pending ahead of the October deadline.
“Display bans have been largely unobserved or ignored. Unregulated high-nicotine vape products continue to be widely available, marketed aggressively to young people, and becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction,” he said.
Azrul praised the government’s leadership and resolve, saying the announcement “demonstrates courage and a recognition that public health must come first”.
Several states, including Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang, have already stopped issuing licences for vape retailers, and more are considering similar measures.
The Galen Centre urged continued vigilance, stressing the need for nationwide consistency to curb vaping-related harms and to safeguard Malaysia’s younger generation from nicotine addiction.
