SIBU: Although the federal and Sarawak governments have expressed their intention to ban the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vape, many parties remain interested in venturing into businesses related to the product.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, described the trend as worrying, noting that it persists despite the government’s clear signal that a comprehensive vape ban will be implemented in the future.
“This is not a question of whether we should ban vape, but a question of when. Discussions at the Cabinet level have already been held, and Sarawak has also drawn up its own plan to ban vape,” he said when met by the media after presenting marriage, baby birth, and education incentives to residents of the Pelawan constituency at a hotel here on Sunday.
According to the Pelawan Assemblyman, the timeline for implementing the ban has not yet been finalised, but early confirmation is necessary to prevent investments in industries that will not be sustainable.
“There are still many new businesses, whether from outside or within Sarawak, looking to invest in the vape industry.
“So I must warn them in advance that both the state and federal governments have agreed to ban vape completely. I hope they will not make the wrong move,” he said.
Commenting further, Tiang said vape is now more dangerous than cigarettes as it is increasingly being abused, including as a medium for drug consumption.
“Vape was originally introduced as a supposed alternative to cigarettes for health purposes. But today it has turned into a channel for drug addiction and other illegal activities.
“We strongly oppose this, and the ban will be implemented soon,” he stressed.
On the incentives, Tiang said that since the programme’s introduction in 2022, a total of RM464,000 has been channelled to residents of the Pelawan constituency.
The assistance is provided to newlywed couples as part of efforts to encourage family formation among the younger generation.
“Young people today face many challenges — the high cost of living, rising education expenses, and fears about marriage and raising children.
“So we offer support from the beginning, including exposure to parenting knowledge through sharing sessions with experts,” he added.
At the event, a total of RM78,200 was disbursed to 61 newlywed couples, 117 infants, and 42 outstanding students.
