Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Health Department (JKNS) has launched Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Papa) to tighten controls and prevent the misuse of vape products in the State.
Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the operation was not intended to ban the use of vape but to ensure control and prevention measures are enforced in line with the existing laws.
“This operation is being carried out to regulate and prevent issues relating to vape use, as several states in Peninsular Malaysia have already banned vaping.
“But in Sabah, we have not banned vape yet, we are only regulating and preventing its misuse, as it is still covered under Act 852 alongside the Tobacco Act, which governs and restricts smoking.
“We also want to regulate and prevent vape from being used by our schoolchildren, especially among pupils,” he told reporters after officiating the operation, here, Wednesday.
James stressed that the initial focus of the operation would be key urban areas such as Kota Kinabalu to ensure vape retailers comply with the guidelines set by the Health Ministry (MoH).
“This operation will focus on Kota Kinabalu City and other major towns to check whether vape-related businesses comply with the conditions set by MoH and to ensure they are not selling prohibited items or contents such as mushrooms and the like.
“We have also asked JKNS to collaborate with public higher education institutions (IPTAs) to prohibit their students from using vape on campus or in school areas,” he said.
According to James, random inspections will be carried out across Sabah with the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry (KPDN).
He reminded all vape traders to ensure their businesses operate in compliance with the law and to register with MoH to avoid strict enforcement action.
“So, if you sell vape, we are not prohibiting it, but only products approved by MoH. And, if possible, I urge vape companies in Kota Kinabalu to register with MoH to avoid enforcement action.
“If they are found to have breached regulations, we will not hesitate to seize their products and impose compounds on companies that fail to comply with MoH requirements,” he said.
James added that Ops Papa will continue to be enforced until an official decision is made on whether to ban vape in Sabah.
Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the operation was not intended to ban the use of vape but to ensure control and prevention measures are enforced in line with the existing laws.
“This operation is being carried out to regulate and prevent issues relating to vape use, as several states in Peninsular Malaysia have already banned vaping.
“But in Sabah, we have not banned vape yet, we are only regulating and preventing its misuse, as it is still covered under Act 852 alongside the Tobacco Act, which governs and restricts smoking.
“We also want to regulate and prevent vape from being used by our schoolchildren, especially among pupils,” he told reporters after officiating the operation, here, Wednesday.
James stressed that the initial focus of the operation would be key urban areas such as Kota Kinabalu to ensure vape retailers comply with the guidelines set by the Health Ministry (MoH).
“This operation will focus on Kota Kinabalu City and other major towns to check whether vape-related businesses comply with the conditions set by MoH and to ensure they are not selling prohibited items or contents such as mushrooms and the like.
“We have also asked JKNS to collaborate with public higher education institutions (IPTAs) to prohibit their students from using vape on campus or in school areas,” he said.
According to James, random inspections will be carried out across Sabah with the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry (KPDN).
He reminded all vape traders to ensure their businesses operate in compliance with the law and to register with MoH to avoid strict enforcement action.
“So, if you sell vape, we are not prohibiting it, but only products approved by MoH. And, if possible, I urge vape companies in Kota Kinabalu to register with MoH to avoid enforcement action.
“If they are found to have breached regulations, we will not hesitate to seize their products and impose compounds on companies that fail to comply with MoH requirements,” he said.
James added that Ops Papa will continue to be enforced until an official decision is made on whether to ban vape in Sabah.
