Full memorandum on proposed vape ban to be tabled by year-end - Health Minister

The ministry is avoiding setting a fixed deadline, as it wants to ensure the process is thorough and not implemented in a piecemeal fashion - August 23, 2025

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says Cabinet has been briefed on initial findings as Health Ministry finalises full proposal on nationwide e-cigarette ban

THE Health Ministry is aiming to present a full memorandum on the proposed ban of electronic cigarettes, or vape, to the Cabinet by the end of this year, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Speaking after officiating the Selangor-level National Agenda for a Healthy Malaysia (ANMS) roadshow in Kuala Selangor on Saturday, Dr Dzulkefly confirmed that an initial report had already been submitted to the Cabinet on Friday. A detailed report is now being finalised by the Ministry's expert committee before a final proposal is tabled.

"At the very least, we expect to table the full memorandum before the end of the year," he said.

"Only then can a final decision be made regarding a full ban on vape."

He added that the ministry is avoiding setting a fixed deadline, as it wants to ensure the process is thorough and not implemented in a piecemeal fashion.

"The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is fully committed to this initiative and has frequently reminded me to expedite the process," he said.

Dr Dzulkefly clarified that vape is already regulated under Act 852 — the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act — but a complete prohibition requires a nationwide and decisive approach.

"As I’ve said before, the question is not whether it will be banned, but when. We already have legislation that regulates smoking products, including vape," he noted.

"However, for a complete ban, it must be executed comprehensively across the country."

Earlier this week, Dr Dzulkefly confirmed that the expert committee was in the final stages of preparing the full report for submission to the Cabinet.

Separately, he also addressed recent incidents involving the national flag, Jalur Gemilang, being mistakenly flown upside-down. Dr Dzulkefly called for perspective on the matter and urged that such errors be corrected without being blown out of proportion. - August 23, 2025