Malaysia Selangor State Implements New Regulations for E-Cigarettes

Main highlights:

Selangor state in Malaysia will begin implementing regulations for the registration and sale of e-cigarette products starting from April 1st. Regulation of product packaging and labeling will commence on October 1st.

Selangor state is collaborating with the health department to enhance monitoring of e-cigarette usage.

The new measures also include supervision in key areas such as schools, hospitals, and dining establishments.

According to a report by The Star on February 27, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, chairperson of the Selangor State Public Health and Environment Committee, revealed that the enforcement of e-cigarette product registration will begin on April 1 in Malaysia.

Jamariah stated that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has not yet issued business licenses to e-cigarette vendors, and any businesses found selling e-cigarettes will be fined. During the Selangor State Assembly, she made this statement in response to a question from Taman Medan assemblyman Dr. Afif Bahardin regarding the sale of e-cigarettes in his constituency. Afif pointed out that some e-cigarette vendors are even daring enough to display large billboards outside their shops.

Jamalia mentioned that the state is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Selangor Health Department to monitor the use of e-cigarettes from a health perspective. This initiative is in line with the implementation of the Public Health (Control of Smoking Product) Act 2024 (Act 852), which includes regulations on the registration, sale, packaging, labeling, and prohibition of smoking in public places for e-cigarettes.

Jamaaria pointed out that the regulation of e-cigarette product registration and sales on shelves will begin on April 1st, while regulation of product packaging and labeling will begin on October 1st. Local governments will also be involved in these enforcement actions.

Furthermore, Jamaria mentioned that MBPJ will soon convene a meeting specifically to address the issue of e-cigarettes. The state government will collaborate with health authorities to monitor harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes, particularly nicotine content. Other measures include monitoring the use of e-cigarettes in public places, especially in schools, hospitals, and dining establishments, while also increasing public awareness of the harms of e-cigarettes.