Special committee to examine vape misuse
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has set up a special committee to examine the misuse of vapes and cigarettes especially among students.
The decision follows reports of underage vape use and a case allegedly linked to a vaping-related death.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he directed a team to evaluate enforcement under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 and to monitor those involved to support evidence-based decisions.
He said the committee is chaired by Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari.
He said the move follows the recent full enforcement of the Control of Smoking and Tobacco Products Act 2024 (Act 852) on Oct 1 last year.
"We take note of the few cases that have gone viral on social media, involving a group of students and an incident that resulted in death due to vaping.
"However, (on the case involving death) preliminary investigations found that there were other comorbidities that need to be clarified before any decision is made," Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told reporters.
He said the ministry remains committed to tackling vaping in a comprehensive manner.
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