The Malaysian state of Sarawak is moving forward with legislation to impose a complete ban on the sale and use of vapes and e-cigarettes.
State Minister for Women, Community Wellbeing, and Family Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, revealed that her ministry is preparing a Cabinet paper and is working in consultation with the state attorney general, state secretary, and state financial officer.
Fatimah stressed that a comprehensive ban is essential to curb the rising number of young people, particularly students between the ages of 13 and 17, who are becoming addicted to vaping. She noted that some of these devices are being laced with drugs and other harmful substances, posing a serious public health risk.
“We are in the process of drafting a very strict law,” she said during a briefing. The ban will be introduced in stages across Sarawak, with authorities coordinating closely with enforcement agencies and local councils. Describing the surge in teen vaping as a “genuine cause for concern,” Fatimah underlined the need for decisive and aggressive action to address the problem.
