No outright ban, Kedah to halt renewal of permits for vape traders
Earlier today, the Perlis government announced it will join Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu in imposing a full ban on the sale of vape. (EPA Images pic)
PETALING JAYA : The Kedah government has decided to stop allowing the renewal of business permits for vape traders once their licences expire.
Menteri besar Sanusi Nor said the state government planned to stop the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes in Kedah by next year, as part of efforts to curb drug abuse following the revelation that there are drug-laced vapes.
Sanusi said the state government did not want to implement an outright ban like other states for fear of being sued, Utusan Malaysia reported.
He cited the suit brought by three companies over the Kedah government's decision not to issue or renew the licences for gaming premises.
The Alor Setar High Court had ruled that the state government's decision was unconstitutional and ordered the plaintiffs to be compensated for their losses from the ban.
'Yesterday, the council on combating drugs was briefed on the current scenario of drug abuse. The latest development is the abuse of drugs using vapes,' Sanusi was quoted as saying.
Earlier today, the Perlis government announced that it would ban the sale of vapes from Aug 1, with fewer than 50 businesses expected to be affected.
Perlis joins Johor, Kelantan and Terengganu in imposing a full ban on vape sales. Other states like Melaka and Selangor are considering stricter controls because of the rise in vape use among youths.
Last month, deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay proposed that more states ban the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products.
Ayob cited growing concerns over synthetic drug abuse through vape devices, saying fentanyl had even been detected in vape liquids, with effects 100 times stronger and more dangerous than morphine.
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