Sarawak has not ruled out imposing a complete ban on vaping products in the future amid growing concerns over vape-related drug abuse cases involving youths.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state government views vaping among youths as a serious and growing public health concern, particularly due to its increasing links to drug abuse and synthetic substances.
However, she said the state government is currently focusing on prevention, public awareness and early intervention before considering stricter measures such as a total ban.
“At this stage, the state government believes awareness, prevention and community readiness must first be strengthened to ensure any future policy, including a possible complete ban, can be implemented effectively and receive wider public support,” she said.
She was replying to a question from Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Fatimah said various awareness and intervention programmes are being strengthened through schools, communities and collaboration with relevant agencies to educate youths on nicotine addiction, the health effects of vaping and the dangers associated with drug-laced vape products.
From the enforcement aspect, she said efforts are also being intensified against illegal vape-related activities involving drug abuse and criminal syndicates through close collaboration between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Sarawak State Health Department.
“This includes targeted operations against vape devices containing prohibited substances, monitoring illegal distribution networks, and stricter enforcement against the sale and supply of vape products to minors,” she said.
