N.Sembilan Backs Vape Sales Ban, Calls For Stricter Laws

SEREMBAN, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government is ready and fully supports the federal government’s move to implement a complete ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin.  

However, he reiterated that the effort must go hand in hand with stricter law enforcement to ensure its effectiveness.  

“We will comply with any decision and proposal made by the ministry (Health Ministry), but we also need the implementation of laws that can truly prevent such sales.  

“We do not want a situation where we say it is banned but sales still happen illegally outside, so for me the most important aspect is the enforcement of laws that can really stop the sales,” he told reporters after attending the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Kolej Yayasan Negeri Sembilan (KYNS) involving 250 graduates here today.  

Yesterday, the media reported that the Federal Government would completely ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape as a measure to curb the abuse of such products.  

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a written reply in the Dewan Negara, was reported as saying that the implementation would be carried out in stages, beginning with a ban on the open system before being extended to all types of vape, eventually covering the entire range of products.  

Meanwhile, Aminuddin said KYNS is not only the driver of MADANI Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Negeri Sembilan but also proof of the state government’s commitment to providing relevant, inclusive and future-focused educational opportunities.  

He said the state government remains firmly committed to education, especially in TVET studies, which are increasingly in demand among the younger generation.  

“This year, the state government has allocated KYNS an additional RM2.9 million to upgrade learning facilities.  

“In addition, RM10 million through a matching grant between the state government and YNS (Yayasan Negeri Sembilan) has been provided to KYNS for the construction of a main hall at the Gentam Campus in Kuala Pilah for learning purposes, which is expected to be completed within two years,” he said.

 Aminuddin also expressed hope that KYNS would continue to expand cooperation with various sectors and explore fields such as semiconductors, electric vehicles (EV), artificial intelligence (AI), maritime, law as well as oil and gas.  

He said this was to ensure that KYNS graduates are truly “industry-ready”, not merely certificate holders but also equipped with confidence, soft skills and practical experience that provide added value.

Meanwhile, in GEORGE TOWN, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) alos welcomed the statement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad regarding the government’s proposal to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vape in order to safeguard the younger generation.

CAP Education Officer and Anti-Smoking Activist N. V. Subbarow said the association hopes the ban will be enforced immediately and not in stages, as the use of vape among students and youths, both male and female, is already beyond control.

“The Federal Government must completely ban the sale of e-cigarettes and vape as a measure to curb abuse of these products among the younger generation, which has essentially become an increasingly serious narcotics problem.

“CAP appeals to the Health Minister not to implement the ban in stages, beginning with the prohibition of open systems before expanding it to all types of vape products,” he said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA