GEORGE TOWN — Penang is taking a pragmatic stance on calls for state-wide bans on vape products, citing concerns over enforcement and the potential rise of black market sales, said state executive councillor Daniel Gooi.
Speaking to Scoop, the Youth, Sports, and Health exco stressed that the state is not ignoring the health risks associated with vaping. Instead, it is approaching proposals for a ban with caution to avoid unintended consequences.
“Even if we were to implement a sales ban within Penang, neighbouring states like Kedah or Perak haven’t done so,” Gooi said. “It’s just a stone’s throw from Penang to Kulim or Parit Buntar. So people could easily cross state lines to buy vape products.”
He warned that such ease of access would render a state-level ban ineffective and potentially fuel black market activity.
“There’s a real risk of the vape industry going underground, where sellers can evade controls on liquid content, packaging, and sales,” Gooi added, pointing out that other illicit items, such as psychotropic mushrooms, are already available online — especially through platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
“When you buy through Facebook Marketplace, vendors often use express shipping, making it very difficult for enforcement officers to trace or act,” he said.
Gooi made the comments in response to questions on why Penang has yet to follow other states that have moved to restrict or ban vape sales.
Johor has barred the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes since 2016 by not issuing business licences, while Terengganu and Kelantan have also taken similar steps, with Terengganu’s ban taking effect on August 1.
Although state law does allow Penang to impose such a ban, Gooi said the government is focused on ensuring any action complements federal efforts — particularly with the upcoming enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
The new law, which comes into full force on October 1, bans online vape sales and imposes strict regulations on packaging, advertising, and registration.
Gooi noted that during ongoing stakeholder engagements, vape industry players raised concerns about the risk of tampering and misuse, but expressed willingness to comply with the Act’s requirements.
He warned that banning vape sales prematurely could backfire. “If we push the industry underground too soon, we lose regulatory oversight — and that makes the products potentially more harmful,” he said.
Even so, Gooi reiterated Penang’s position — first stated in June — that the state may consider a ban if Act 852 proves ineffective after its full implementation.
The Penang government is also working to address vaping among schoolchildren, Gooi said.
He cited data collected in collaboration with the state education department showing a decline in the number of students using cigarettes and vapes this year compared to last.
However, he acknowledged the growing national concern, particularly following findings from Universiti Sains Malaysia’s National Poison Centre, which reported a fivefold increase in vape-related emergencies over the past four years — many involving teenagers.
Penang, he said, continues to strengthen anti-smoking programmes through its “Penang Bebas Asap Rokok” (Penbar) initiative, which works with NGOs such as the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).
On July 28, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told Parliament that a total ban on the sale and use of vape products is being considered but would require coordination with multiple agencies.
When asked whether the responsibility should rest solely with the federal government, Gooi stressed the need for close cooperation.
“State governments understand local enforcement challenges, so collaboration is essential. The goal of Act 852 is to move towards a full ban — not just on sales, but consumption — and we are working with the Health Ministry to achieve that,” he said.
Gooi dismissed suggestions that Penang’s delay in banning vape products is motivated by concerns over lost tax revenue.
“These taxes go to the federal government, not the state,” he said. “This is not about money. The Penang government places public health above all else. Let there be no mistake about that.” — August 4, 2025
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