Negeri Sembilan Backs Vape Ban, Wants Clear Laws For Enforcement - Aminuddin

SEREMBAN, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government fully supports the ban on the sale and use of vapes in the state, but stressed that it must go hand in hand with clear and firm regulations to ensure its effective enforcement, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

The Port Dickson member of parliament said that without specific rules or legislation, the prohibition may have little impact as sales and usage continue to be widespread, as if no ban were in place.

“The Conference of Rulers has agreed for states to ban vape, and it appears all states are in favour. However, when there is an agreement but no accompanying regulation, this needs to be reviewed so that laws can be enforced.

“We don’t want a situation where the ban is merely announced but sales remain rampant. This would render the ban meaningless,” he told reporters at the Negeri Sembilan legislative assembly today.

Earlier, during the question-and-answer session, Aminuddin called on security forces and enforcement agencies, including the Health Ministry (MOH), to step up enforcement to ensure that vapes laced with prohibited substances such as magic mushrooms are kept off the market.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Asna Amin (BN-Lenggeng) on whether the state government planned to completely ban vape sales or allow them under specific brands.

He said the state will leave it to the Federal Government to determine the regulations and enforcement measures before officially declaring the prohibition.

Aminuddin, who is also the Sikamat assemblyman, added that under Section 3 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), all smoking products intended for import, manufacture or distribution in Malaysia must first be registered with the MOH.

“Smoking products containing any prohibited substances regulated under the Poisons Act 1952, including psilocybin, the active chemical in magic mushrooms, will not be approved for registration,” he said.

He was replying to the initial question from Suhaimizan Bizar (BN-Gemencheh) on measures to curb the abuse of vape containing banned substances such as magic mushrooms, and on steps to ensure enforcement is more targeted so that legitimate operators are not affected by overly broad policies.

-- BERNAMA