SIBU: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth Chief Councillor Kevin Lau has called on the government to intensify enforcement efforts under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852) to curb the widespread sale and use of vape products.
Lau emphasised the need for stricter regulation, warning that without firm enforcement, a full ban on open-system vape products currently being considered by the Ministry of Health would be ineffective in controlling the market or protecting youth.
“Even if you have the law but no enforcement, the government still cannot control the sales, and the sales would still be very rampant,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Lau, who also chairs SUPP Bawang Assan, noted that vaping has become deeply rooted in youth culture due to the rapid growth of the industry, with easy online access making regulation increasingly difficult.
He highlighted the growing concern among parents, particularly young ones, over vape products laced with synthetic drugs, which are often masked by appealing flavours that make detection and regulation more challenging.
“There is an urgent need for the government to look into tightening regulations and especially enforcement on the sales of vapes,” he said.
Lau called for increased awareness campaigns targeting students and young people to educate them on the risks and long-term health effects of vaping, while stressing the need to promote a culture of healthy living to steer youths away from harmful substances.
