Selangor orders removal of vape ads pending decision on sales ban
Selangor has ordered the immediate removal of all vape-related advertisements as it weighs a full ban on vape sales.
PETALING JAYA : All local councils in Selangor have been ordered to immediately seize and remove advertisements promoting vape products as part of the state government's initial efforts to curb e-cigarette use.
The directive follows a state-level coordination meeting chaired by Selangor executive councillor for public health and environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, who said the state was still considering whether to implement a full ban on vape sales.
In a statement, Jamaliah cited data from the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey which found that nearly 14.9% of boys aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia were vape users.
She described the figure as 'deeply alarming' and said it warranted urgent action.
'In response, the Selangor state government, through the public health standing committee, will convene a follow-up meeting soon to discuss viable policy options before presenting final proposals to the state executive council for a decision,' she said.
'While awaiting a final decision, the meeting resolved that all local authorities in Selangor are to immediately seize and remove any advertisements related to vape products, whether displayed in physical or digital format.
'This action is in line with the provisions of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852).'
Jamaliah said the state government welcomed the involvement of parents, schools, civil society, and both state and federal agencies to ensure that all action taken is effective and sustainable.
'The state government is determined to ensure that every policy introduced takes into account its impact on public health and the future generations,' she said.
Selangor's move followed Perlis's announcement of a complete ban on vape sales from Aug 1, joining Johor, Kelantan, and Terengganu, which have already imposed full bans.
Terengganu's ban will take effect on Aug 1, while Johor and Kelantan have banned the sale of these products since 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Kedah has decided not to impose an outright ban but to stop allowing the renewal of business permits for vape traders once their licences expire.
These state-level moves have drawn criticism from industry players, who argue that such bans contradict Act 852, the federal law regulating vape products.
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