No ban on vape sales yet, says Kedah MB
Kedah housing, local government and health committee chairman Mansor Zakaria had been asked to present a proposal on vape sale controls at the next exco meeting.
PETALING JAYA : The Kedah government is looking to implement controls on the sale of vape or electronic cigarettes in the state before it decides on a statewide ban, says menteri besar Sanusi Nor.
He said the state government is in no hurry to ban vape sales as its local authorities have already issued licences for their sale.
'Terengganu began the process of banning vape sales in 2016. That process has taken almost 10 years (to materialise).
'Kedah's local authorities have previously issued licences for vape shop premises, so (the businesses) have the right to operate.
'We cannot make a decision today (to ban vape sales), or (the businesses) may sue us,' Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying at a press conference today.
The Terengganu government will no longer issue new business licences for vape sales from Aug 1, following a recent call by deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay for states to follow in the footsteps of Johor, which has banned vape sales since 2016.
Sanusi said Kedah housing, local government and health committee chairman Mansor Zakaria has been asked to present a proposal on vape sale controls at the next exco meeting.
He said the controls would be enforced until the businesses' licences expire, after which the state government would decide whether to ban vape sales.
Mansor said the controls might include prohibiting vape advertisements, as well as their sale to those under 18 years old.
'Vape shops currently have billboards advertising vapes at their premises, but that will no longer be allowed. The products must also be sold in enclosed premises such as convenience stores,' he said.
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