PETALING JAYA: Regulations on the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes, including through vending machines, are close to being finalised, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the Attorney-General’s Chambers is in the final stages of reviewing the matter, Bernama reported. Implementation would proceed since the regulations are approved.
Dzulkefly said earlier this month stricter regulations for vape and electronic cigarettes may be implemented in August.
The minister’s comments come days after FMT reported that social media users were up in arms over a vape vending machine set up at a prominent mall in Kuala Lumpur.
Checks by FMT found that customers could easily purchase vape products from the vending machine by selecting their product of choice on a touchscreen interface and paying by e-wallet.
Yesterday, the vending machine was shut down by the mall’s management; the health ministry said officials had met the management to explain the prohibition on the sale and display of smoking products.
Sale of e-cigarettes through vending machines is currently banned by tobacco control regulations under the Food Act.
A new law to control smoking products would prohibit the sale and display of all smoking products, including through vending machines.
Source: FMT
