Penang Urges Swift Action On Nationwide Vape Ban
Penang urges the federal government to expedite a nationwide vape ban to protect youth from nicotine addiction.Summary
The Penang government is calling on the federal government to accelerate efforts toward a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes to safeguard the younger generation from nicotine addiction. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen welcomed the federal government's decision not to appeal a court ruling that invalidated the 2023 exemption of liquid nicotine from the Poisons List, calling it a bold move toward a comprehensive ban. He emphasized Penang's commitment to enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 while awaiting federal directives. Concerns were raised about the tobacco industry's use of attractive packaging, flavors, and social media influencers to target youth. SEATCA executive director Dr Ulysses Dorotheo noted that eight of 11 ASEAN countries have already banned e-cigarettes, and Malaysia would become the ninth. The 10th Asia-Pacific Smoke-Free Meeting, themed "Sustaining the Smoke-free Legacy Against the New Tide of Nicotine," gathered about 180 delegates from 13 countries to strengthen regional cooperation and share best practices in smoke-free policies.
(Source：Bernama)
