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CAP urges swift ban on vape products

focus not on protecting industry players who profit from addiction, but on safeguarding children, students and young adults from long-term harm. He added that CAP has raised the issue for years and remains frustrated by the lack of urgency. “Will there be a ban? If so, when? Malaysians deserve more than vague promises and delays. The government must stop hiding behind excuses and put health first.” He urged the ministry to set a clear deadline and publish a transparent roadmap towards a complete ban. “If the ministry cannot act decisively, it is failing in its duty to protect the public. It is not about politics or legal theories. It is about the health and future of our young people.” of cigarettes, then the pricing and tax must reflect that. “In Parliament, I’ve repeatedly raised the need to increase vape taxation. It’s simple and it could be included in the upcoming Budget 2026 this October. But until today, nothing has been done.” He noted that illicit cigarettes cost Malaysia an estimated RM5 billion annually in lost revenue, with over 55% of cigarettes sold illegally. “Customs, police and health authorities must unite to stem illicit trade, especially before expanding regulation into the vape space.” Wan Saiful added that industry players were generally not resisting regulation but preferred structured guidelines to ensure fairness, safety and sustainability. “This openness offers a real opportunity for collaboration, rather than abrupt and disruptive bans.” At the same time, he argued that taxation could do more than deter consumption, noting that additional revenue could support the healthcare system. On Aug 23, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that a Cabinet memorandum proposing a vape and e-cigarette ban will be tabled by year-end. He revealed that an initial version of the report was presented to the Cabinet on Aug 22, at the request of the prime minister and Cabinet members. Dzulkefly stressed that the issue was not whether a ban would be imposed, but when and how it would be carried out. The ministry has also moved to tighten regulations following theSun ’s Aug 4 report that Magic Mushroom vape liquids containing synthetic drugs were being sold online. In a statement, it said it would work with the Department of Standards and the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia or Sirim to impose stricter controls, including ensuring that devices are designed to prevent easy modification for the inclusion of illegal or harmful substances.

continue operating. The issue has been repeatedly discussed at Cabinet level but the ministry has yet to commit to a fixed timeline. “When Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu banned vape, no one raised legal issues. They acted decisively because public health was the priority,” Subbarow said. He also questioned whether federal authorities were adopting a wait-and see approach while other countries have already banned vaping products containing dangerous substances, saying the ministry appeared to be “giving excuses every time”. “Our minister should learn from Singapore. Its prime minister raised the vape issue during his National Day speech.” Subbarow said the debate should

Chambers which drafted the law. When a few states already banned vape without fear or favour, no one talked about legal issues. Why is the ministry worried now?” he asked. Subbarow added that Malaysia’s youth cannot afford to wait until the end of the year for yet another Cabinet discussion. “Every month wasted means more students and young people getting hooked on this dangerous product. The ministry must act firmly and swiftly, not play games with words.” On Aug 21, Dzulkefly told reporters that the government “cannot suddenly ban vape” due to potential legal challenges, saying regulations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 had created a “legitimate expectation” for the industry to

This follows Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s announcement on Aug 24 that a memorandum on banning vaping and e-cigarettes will be presented to the Cabinet by the end of the year. CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow said while the assurance that “it is not about if we will ban but when we will ban” may signal progress, it also reflects unnecessary hesitation. “The ministry should not protect the vape industry. The health of vapers, especially young people, is more important than the industry,” he told theSun. He dismissed the ministry’s claim that a sudden ban could expose the government to legal risks, calling it unfounded. “We have the Attorney-General’s

o Consumer group says delaying Cabinet action risks more youths getting hooked, calls on ministry to set clear deadline

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government not to delay a nationwide ban on vape products, stressing that public health must take precedence over industry concerns.

‘Address e-cigarettes with regulation, not abrupt halt’

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry’s move towards a nationwide vape ban has reignited debate over the industry’s future with critics warning that abrupt measures could backfire. Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, in an interview with theSun , urged the government not to wait for a “perfect solution” but to take immediate and practical steps that safeguard public health while protecting entrepreneurs. He said while the ultimate goal may be a full ban, short-term measures such as higher taxes and stronger enforcement would be more effective in addressing current risks. “Just because we ban something doesn’t mean the demand disappears,” he said, pointing to the prevalence of illicit cigarettes across the country. Wan Saiful cautioned that a sudden blanket ban could trigger unintended consequences, including black markets and the spread of unregulated products. He acknowledged growing concerns about the mixing of unregulated substances into vape liquids, but stressed that these risks could be tackled through straightforward regulation. “There are two main issues. One is with mixed-in nicotine, the other is with random substances being added into the liquid. The solution for mixing substances is actually quite straightforward – proper enforcement and banning the open-tank system. “If you ban that, then people can’t tamper with the tanks or add whatever they want. So, it’s not that complicated, and the solution seems logical.” Wan Saiful also pressed the government to tax vape liquids based on nicotine content, introduce a minimum price for vape products and close the tax gap with cigarettes. If 2ml of vape liquid contains as much nicotine as a pack

Foundation celebrates recycling journey with interactive call to action Tan (right) with Tzu Chi commission member and Top Glove executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai during the opening ceremony of the interactive exhibition at Jing Si Hall in Kepong to celebrate the foundation’s 30th anniversary. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

lifestyle changes. For long-time volunteers, it is also a chance to reflect on the movement’s growth. “Tzu Chi has been promoting recycling in Malaysia for 30 years. What keeps us going is how we gather everyone to work towards one goal,” said Ng See Seong, 63, who has spent 13 years in Tzu Chi’s recycling initiatives. “Through discussion and understanding, we resolve differences and continue with our mission. This exhibition is another way to raise awareness and show people the importance of protecting our planet.” Built largely from repurposed materials by volunteers, the exhibition blends creativity and education to make sustainability accessible to all ages. Tong urged Malaysians to carry the lessons beyond the exhibition hall. “Environmental protection is not an abstract concept, it lives in our everyday choices. “Each small action, when multiplied by millions, becomes a powerful force for change.”

event was not only a celebration but also a turning point in Malaysia’s green movement. “Today marks not only the launch of an exhibition, but also a meaningful milestone in our ongoing journey of environmental education and action.” She recalled how it all began: “Over 30 years ago, our founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen reminded us that protecting the earth begins with cherishing resources and practising recycling. What started with a small group of volunteers sorting recyclables on the streets has blossomed into a global movement.” Earlier this year, Tzu Chi’s nationwide plogging initiative mobilised more than 8,500 participants across Malaysia, collecting over 7,500kg of litter – nearly half of which was recyclable. The new exhibition builds on that momentum through eight interactive zones, including the bottomless pit of desire, climate clock and the pledge to join the green movement. Each installation is designed to spark reflection and encourage practical

KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty years after sparking Malaysia’s grassroots recycling movement, the Tzu Chi KL & Selangor Foundation is marking its environmental milestone with an interactive exhibition that turns sustainability into an everyday experience. The Green Action Experiential Exhibition, launched at Jing Si Hall in Kepong, blends art, multimedia and hands-on activities to inspire visitors to rethink daily habits, from reducing single-use plastics to adopting plant based diets. The opening ceremony drew prominent figures, including Berjaya Corporation Berhad founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan, who is one of Tzu Chi’s key commissioners, alongside other members of the Tzu Chi commission, volunteers and the public. In her welcoming address, Tzu Chi deputy CEO Tong Siew Bee said the