A medical doctor says the government's plan to enforce a nationwide ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes and vape products – which most youth see as ‘cool’ and ‘harmless’ – is necessary.
Consultant paediatrician and child-disability advocate Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS welcomed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad’s announcement in Parliament today that the government is considering a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vape products, calling the move “urgent and necessary” amid growing concerns over youth addiction.
Dr Amar highlighted the alarming rise in teenage vaping, citing the National Health & Morbidity Survey 2022, which revealed that 14.9 per cent of secondary school students aged 13-17 were using e-cigarettes – equating to nearly 400,000 young users at the time. He warned that this number has likely surpassed 500,000 today and is climbing fast.
“The access and promotion of vape products to young children and teenagers is widespread, often just outside school premises,” he said.
“Many primary school students are already showing interest. Most youth think vaping is ‘cool’ and ‘harmless’, largely because the government has not moved to ban it.”
Responding to Dzulkefly’s announcement that a special committee from the Health Ministry will propose the ban to address the abuse of electronic cigarettes, Dr Amar stressed that a national-level ban – including on online sales – is crucial if Malaysia is serious about youth health.
“It’s not just tobacco they are puffing, but chemicals that will irreparably harm their brains and lungs. Some will go on to become drug addicts. Without a national ban, it’s not difficult to get vape products in states that haven’t acted. Hence, his proposal is very much welcomed,” he said.
Dr Amar-says a nationwide ban on vaping is timely as studies show that 14.9 per cent of secondary school students aged 13–17 were using some form of e-cigarettes.
Citing recent studies, Dr Amar also highlighted how many young people turn to vaping as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and depression – but warned this may lead to long-term psychological harm.
“Increased impulsivity, mood swings, and worsening depression are seen among youth who vape,” he said.
“They turn to vaping to alleviate distress, but in the end, it worsens their situation.”
He called on Malaysia to follow the example of several Asean nations that have already imposed a ban on e-cigarettes and vaping.
Brunei banned e-cigarette sales and imports in 2014, while Cambodia and Thailand also imposed bans that same year. Singapore followed in 2018, and Laos in 2021.
“We need a national ban on vape products if we are serious about protecting our youth. Otherwise, we risk creating a new generation of teen addicts,” Dr Amar said.
Dzulkefly had earlier explained that the current Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 regulates vape use but does not prohibit it entirely. However, his ministry is now consulting with key government agencies – including the Finance Ministry and the Attorney -General’s Chambers – to examine the legal and economic implications of a full ban.
Dr Amar welcomed the steps taken by Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang to restrict vape sales, but said these were not sufficient on their own.
“Local rulings are limited and don’t cover all premises, including grocery shops,” he said.
“If we are truly committed to public health, we must act decisively now.”
