Penang To Consider Banning Sale Of Electronic Cigarettes If Act 852 Fails To Produce Positive Outcome
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said a mechanism to regulate the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced under Act 852, which is currently in the product registration phase and scheduled for enforcement on October 1.
He said the state government will closely review the enforcement mechanism and formulate a comprehensive strategy to curb vape use in Penang, emphasising that the matter must be handled strategically to prevent the emergence of illegal markets and smuggling activities as unintended consequences.
'The issue is very complicated. If we implement a comprehensive sales ban, we will face several challenges, among them is our state border, which is close to Kedah and Perak, because users can gettheir supply in Kulim or Parit Buntar, and this will be difficult in terms of enforcement.
'Secondly, banning the sale of vapes does not necessarily stop users from vaping, but will push them to the illegal market, which may encourage smuggling. This is one of the aspects we have to consider,' he said
He said this when winding up the debate on the opening speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Assembly sitting here today.
However, Gooi emphasised that the state government remains firm in its stance on the issue, consistently supporting the ban on the use of electronic cigarettes, particularly among minors, and discouraging the sale of all smoking products, including vapes, in line with efforts to safeguard public health.
He also said that the enforcement of Act 852 since October last year has shown encouraging results, with a decline in the number of students involved in vaping-related offences in the state.
Citing records from the Penang Education Department, he said that revealed that while 981 students were recorded for vape-related misdemeanours in 2024, the number dropped to 12 students between January and February this year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
23 minutes ago
- Barnama
Countering Espionage Threats, F1 Return Among Focus Of Dewan Rakyat Sitting Today
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Government efforts to counter espionage elements that could jeopardise national security, and Malaysia's ability to host Formula 1 (F1) again, are expected to take the spotlight in the Dewan Rakyat today. According to the Order Paper on Parliament's portal, Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS–Lubok Antu) is to ask the Home Minister to outline prevention and intervention measures to address espionage activities that threaten national security during the Minister's Question Time. At the same session, Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH–Sibu) is set to ask the Youth and Sports Minister whether Malaysia can host F1 again, and the steps to maximise utilisation of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) so it delivers contributions and benefits to the nation. Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN–Pengkalan Chepa) is expected to seek clarification from the Prime Minister on whether direct-negotiation procurement is still being practised by Lembaga Tabung Haji, a statutory body under the purview of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs). During the oral question and answer session, Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS–Batang Sadong) is expected to ask the Agriculture and Food Security Minister about plans to position Sarawak as a food security hub under the new policy, in line with the successful implementation of the state's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030). Dr Halimah Ali (PN–Kapar) is set to ask the Works Minister about measures to address serious damage along key roads in the area—including links to factories and the access route to Northport—caused by frequent heavy-vehicle movements and indiscriminate roadside parking. Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN–Bera) will ask the Health Minister about the current threat level of COVID-19 variants to high-risk groups, noting the country recorded 57 deaths last year. After the Q&A session, the sitting is scheduled to proceed with the first readings of the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025, the Urban Renewal Bill 2025 and the Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025. The House is then set to continue the winding-up of the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) motion by the relevant ministries.
Free Malaysia Today
30 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Merdeka-themed cakes a sweet way to promote patriotism
Cakes featuring the national flag and other symbols are a sweet and creative way to share the spirit of Merdeka Day. (Bernama pic) MELAKA : As Merdeka Day approaches, Malaysians – especially those with a flair for the culinary arts – are showing their patriotism in sweet and creative ways. Patriotic cakes have emerged not merely as desserts but as edible expressions of national pride: beneath layers of fondant and cream lie hope and love for the country. For baker and entrepreneur Hilaliyah Mohamed Hanif, 50, creating patriotic cakes is about more than just fulfilling customer requests. 'The patriotic spirit naturally seeps in,' she told Bernama. 'Over the past 16 years, I have made more than 10 patriotic-themed cakes for Merdeka Day, including a savoury one made of pulut kuning (turmeric-infused glutinous rice).' Her designs are often inspired by cultural elements such as songket patterns, wau, hibiscus, traditional 'tanjak' headgear, and iconic landmarks in Malaysia. 'These symbols may be familiar, but on cakes, they evoke a deep sense of pride – both in the maker and the person enjoying it,' she said. Among her most memorable works was a cake shaped like a book, created for Teacher's Day in 2015 and inspired by the poem 'Guru Oh Guru' by national laureate Usman Awang. 'Although it wasn't for Merdeka, it carried strong patriotic value by honouring educators. It shows national pride can be expressed in many forms,' Hilaliyah added. Hotel pastry chef Muzaffar Shah Yusoff showing off Jalur Gemilang-themed cupcakes. (Bernama pics) The trend is also gaining traction in the hospitality sector, with one hotel here offering Jalur Gemilang-themed cupcakes to boost the Merdeka spirit among guests. According to head pastry chef Muzaffar Shah Yusoff, 51, cake-making has become a creative medium that connects people with national identity and values. 'Our cupcakes are visually appealing and carry a message that patriotism can be expressed in light-hearted and creative ways,' he shared. Muzaffar, who has created large-scale patriotic cakes including a 3m-by-1.5m version featuring national elements, said such projects require meticulous preparation. 'It is challenging, but the reward comes when guests are moved. It motivates us to keep creating cakes that embody the patriotic spirit and tell stories of our history, culture and the Malaysian spirit,' he concluded.
Free Malaysia Today
33 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Former engineer supports community with flourishing kantan biz
Abdul Halim Abdul Majid (left) and Mohammad Hazwan Mohamad Nor have produced over 15,000 kantan seedlings since 2022. (Bernama pic) TAIPING : Kantan, or torch ginger, complements the flavours of dishes like asam pedas, laksa and kerabu. It can also become a profitable source of income for those with the right vision and opportunity. For former engineer Abdul Halim Abdul Majid from Trong here, venturing into kantan farming has not only provided him a steady income but also a means of helping the community. Speaking with Bernama, the 50-year-old said his business partner Mohammad Hazwan Mohamad Nor had suggested they focus on producing kantan seeds instead of just flowers. 'Seeds can be germinated from the flower itself rather than using rhizomes (plant stems that produce shoots and roots) like ginger or turmeric,' explained Abdul Halim, who is the project manager of Kantan Taiping. In 2022, they produced 800 seedlings in about three months, each reaching 20cm in height. Soon after, bulk orders came in – 300 plants at a time – confirming high market demand. To date, they have produced over 15,000 seedlings, marketed primarily through Facebook. Buyers come from Perak as well as Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis. Seeing an opportunity help others in his community, Abdul Halim encouraged tithe recipients and low-income groups to use their own yards for kantan seedling cultivation. He said several households have since cultivated between 2,000 and 3,000 seedlings, which his team buys back to boost their earnings. Depending on size and age, seedlings sell for RM3.50 to RM60. Abdul Halim and Hazwan with their ikan bilis and bunga kantan sambal, which they hope to market overseas. (Bernama pic) Additionally, Abdul Halim and Hazwan have diversified into downstream products, including kantan flower sambal bilis, which has received encouraging market response. They hope to bring the product overseas. Meanwhile, Hazwan describes kantan as a hardy, disease-resistant herbal plant that, with proper care, can produce flowers in about a year. Fresh kantan flowers – unopened, partially bloomed, or fully bloomed – are supplied to markets and wholesalers for about 50 sen each. He is thankful to the Perak agriculture department and other agencies for their support, and encourages more youths to enter the field as planting kantan is 'low-maintenance, offers steady demand, and can provide side income'.
