Melaka: The Melaka Health Department is preparing a proposal to ban the manufacturing and sale of e-cigarettes or vape products in the state. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem announced that the proposal will be presented to the State Executive Council for a decision later this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government has yet to determine its stance on the proposal, as the matter is currently under review. This was revealed during a session of the Melaka legislative assembly at Seri Negeri, in response to a query posed by Low Chee Leong (PH-Kota Laksamana) regarding the state's position on e-cigarette sales.

Ngwe highlighted that although e-cigarettes are often perceived as a safer alternative to conventional smoking, they still carry health risks due to their nicotine content, which poses addiction risks and health hazards. He emphasized that vape liquids contain various harmful heavy metals, such as nickel, chromium, and arsenic, all classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

He further explained that these substances are known to cause cancer and that vape liquids also contain cobalt, which is toxic to the lungs, and cadmium, which can damage the kidneys and is linked to cancer. Ngwe also raised concerns about the association of these heavy metals with mental health issues, including depression.