Kuala lumpur: The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, an independent public policy research and advocacy organisation, strongly commends the Malaysian Government's decision to implement a phased full ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Its chief executive, Azrul Mohd Khalib, in a statement, said Malaysia has finally taken the right steps in tackling a growing public health crisis, reflecting the government's commitment to protecting public health, particularly young Malaysians, from the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azrul Mohd Khalib emphasized the importance of the phased approach, beginning with open-system vapourisers, which are easily modified, misused, and spiked with adulterated vape liquids and mixed with drugs such as etomidate. He stated that Malaysia has been out of step with surrounding countries, which have banned vapes and e-cigarettes for too long. Even though the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) has been introduced, it has yet to be fully enforced pending the October deadline.

Azrul highlighted that the product display ban has been largely unobserved or ignored, with unregulated high-nicotine vape products continuing to be widely available, marketed aggressively to young people, and becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction. He commended the announcement, noting it demonstrates leadership, courage, and a recognition that public health must come first.

Several state governments, including Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang, have already taken steps to refuse the issuing of vape retail licences, while other states are considering following suit.