Malaysian state of Penang considers ban on e-cigarette sales

Apr.27.2025
Malaysian state of Penang considers ban on e-cigarette sales
Penang State Government in Malaysia considers banning e-cigarette sales amid concerns over links to synthetic drugs.

Main points:

The Penang state government of Malaysia has stated that they are considering banning the sale of e-cigarette products, but have not yet had formal discussions on the matter.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police of Malaysia has pointed out that the abuse of e-cigarettes is linked to the misuse of new synthetic drugs, and has called for more state governments to implement sales bans.

Johor and Terengganu states have prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes in commercial premises, with Terengganu set to implement the ban in August. Selangor state has joined the discussion of similar prohibition proposals.


According to a report from the Dailyexpress on April 26th, the Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia, Chow Kon Yeow, has stated that the state government is open to banning the sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products in commercial establishments throughout the state.

 

He also pointed out that formal discussions regarding the ban have not yet been initiated.

 

"We will await the Chairman of the Youth, Sports, and Health Committee, Daniel Gooi, to submit this matter at the State Executive Council. Only after that, will we further deliberate and decide on the next course of action."

 

Previously, Malaysian Deputy Chief of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay called for more state governments to take action to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes. He pointed out that currently these products are increasingly linked to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. According to him, students as young as 13 have been found using e-cigarettes containing drug ingredients, and if not stopped in time, this trend could pose a new threat to national security.

 

Johor state has implemented regulations banning the sale of e-cigarettes in commercial premises since 2016, while Terengganu state plans to implement a similar ban starting August 1, 2025.

 

Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Chairperson of the Selangor State Public Health and Environment Committee, also stated that the state government will soon convene a meeting to discuss the proposal to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products.

 

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