New Ops Selamat campaign targets vape sales, second-hand smoke exposure
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the campaign, which also includes Ops Selamat Mama, is designed not only to strengthen enforcement, especially around the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, but also to protect non-smokers, particularly spouses, from second-hand smoke exposure.
'The Ministry of Health (MOH) greatly welcomes and supports the stance of six state governments that have chosen not to renew licences for premises selling electronic cigarettes or vape,' he said during a press conference in Parliament.
'That is a positive step, even though it cannot entirely curb the sale of these products, as sales in convenience and retail shops are still ongoing and widespread,' he added.
Dr Dzulkefly explained that regulating vape sales remains a critical component of Act 852, a responsibility currently under the purview of the MOH.
'Therefore, any efforts or initiatives towards banning vape fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. If we look at the findings from the expert committee on electronic cigarettes, Act 852 focuses on regulation rather than prohibition of vape products,' he said.
When responding to a follow-up question by Young Syefura Othman (PH–Bentong) in the Dewan Rakyat, the minister stressed the urgency of restricting open vape sales, citing rising cases of abuse involving illegal substances.
'According to investigations by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), taking 2024 as an example, out of 64 investigation papers opened concerning allegations of contamination involving illegal substances, 80 per cent were found to contain illegal drugs.'
'For this year, up to June, 58 investigation papers have been opened, with nearly 70 per cent testing positive for illegal substances (drugs) in vape products. We aim to move towards a vape ban, but we want to do so carefully.'
Dr Dzulkefly concluded by emphasising that Act 852 enforcement needs to go further than just licence revocations by state authorities.
'We want the enforcement of Act 852 to go beyond just revoking licences as done by the six state governments, because vape products are still rampant,' he said. —July 28, 2025
Main image: American Heart Association
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