Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is targeting to implement a vape ban this year, beginning specifically with open pod systems, as announced by Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The minister emphasized that the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) is crucial and non-negotiable.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly reiterated his unwavering stance on the issue of cigarettes and vaping as a moral obligation to safeguard future generations from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions like popcorn lung. He noted that the initial step in this endeavor is to prohibit the open pod system, which has been reportedly misused with various synthetic drugs.

The Health Minister revealed that the proposed ban would encompass both the sale and usage of open pod system vape products. He also mentioned that this matter will be presented at an upcoming Cabinet meeting for further deliberation.

In a separate update, Dr Dzulkefly introduced the Rakan KKM initiative, aimed at providing premium economy-class healthcare services in selected government hospitals, with a launch expected in the first quarter of this year. This initiative is designed to incorporate a 'premium-economy' model featuring cross-subsidies to retain medical specialists in the public healthcare domain.

Dr Dzulkefly stated that Cyberjaya Hospital would pioneer this service, with plans for expansion to other hospitals across the nation.