After surge in users, govt to enforce tobacco and vape control Act
Published on: Thursday, May 16, 2024
By:
FMT, Faisal Asyraf
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government wants to curb the proliferation of e-cigarette or vape users among young adults.
PETALING JAYA: The health ministry is expected to enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) in response to the surge in e-cigarette or vape users, says its minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Act was gazetted in February after receiving royal assent a month earlier. However, it has yet to come into force.
ADVERTISEMENT
Section 1(2) of Act 852 states that the Act will come into operation on a date to be appointed by the minister by notification in the government gazette.
Until the Act is in force, nicotine vape products remain legal for sale to minors aged below 18 years.
Dzulkefly acknowledged that the findings of the 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey, released today, showed a worrying trend of e-cigarette use among young adults, notably those aged between 15 and 24.
“There’s a need for necessary and immediate action. God willing, we will enforce Act 852 as a response to the surge in vape (users),” he told a press conference here today.
ADVERTISEMENT
“From there, we hope we will be able to curb the proliferation of e-cigarette or vape users among young adults.”
Dzulkefly’s predecessor, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, signed an order last year to remove liquid or gel nicotine from the list of controlled substances under the Poisons Act 1952.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
.jpg)
