Selangor orders removal of all physical and digital vape ads

The Selangor government has ordered local councils within the state to remove and seize all advertisements related to vapes immediately, as a part of early efforts to curb the use of e-cigarettes, especially among teenagers. 

This applies to all forms of advertising media, be it physical, digital or on LED screens, the state executive councillor for public health and environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin announced. She shared that the directive was decided upon during a coordination meeting which she chaired on 16 May, to discuss the possible prohibition of vape sales in Selangor. 

"This action is in accordance with the Control of smoking products for public health act 2023 (Act 852), which clearly prohibits any form of advertising, promotion or sponsorship of electronic smoking products," she said in a statement shared on Facebook. 

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On the consideration of banning of vape sales in the state, Jamaliah said that discussions are still ongoing as it remains difficult to control its online sales, which is the primary channel for teenagers to obtain such products. 

"The exco meeting examined several issues related to the use and sale of vape products, including enforcement challenges, licnesing, legal aspects and monitoring," she added. 

This comes as the use of vapes among teenagers showed a significant increase. Jamaliah said that according to the national health and morbidity survey 2022, an estimated 14.9% of male adolescents aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia were vape users. "This statistic is concerning, and highlight the urgent need for proactive state-level action," she explained.

The Selangor government, through the standing committee on public health, is set to hold a follow up meeting soon to review potential policy options before tabling proposals to the state executive council. Jamaliah also added that new policies must prioritise public health outcomes and the wellbeing of future generations.

"The state government strongly welcomes the active participation of parents, educational institutions, civil society and related agencies at the state and federal levels, to ensure that any action taken will truly be effective and sustainable," said the state executive councillor.

According to FMT, this follows the Perlis government's announcement of a ban on vape sales from 1 August, just as complete bans were imposed by Johor, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Kedah has decided not to impose an outright ban, but will avoid renewing the business licenses of vape traders once they expire. 

Meanwhile, the Sun reports that Penang discussed a proposal to ban the sale of vapes at all business premises earlier last month. 

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