Selangor orders local councils to remove all vape advertisements
SHAH ALAM: Local authorities in Selangor have been instructed to seize and remove advertisements related to vape products across all advertising media, whether physical or digital.
State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the action aligns with provisions under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 (Act 852), which prohibits all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of electronic smoking products.
She said the decision was made following a coordination meeting she chaired on the proposal to consider banning the sale of electronic cigarettes in Selangor.
The meeting examined various issues related to the use and sale of vapes, including enforcement challenges, licensing, legal aspects and monitoring.
"The issue of online sales was also discussed, as it is difficult to regulate and often becomes the main channel through which teenagers access these products.
"This is especially concerning as vape usage among teenagers has seen a significant rise.
"According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, an estimated 14.9 per cent of male adolescents aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia are vape users.
"These statistics are alarming and highlight the urgent need for proactive state-level action," she said.
The meeting was also attended by Selangor health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsuddin, representatives from the State Economic Planning Unit, local authorities and district health officers.
Jamaliah said the state government, through the Public Health Standing Committee, will hold a follow-up meeting soon to discuss suitable policy options before presenting the final proposal to the state executive council meeting for a decision.
"The state government wants to ensure that every policy introduced takes into account its impact on public health and future generations.
"The state also greatly welcomes the active roles of parents, educational institutions, civil society, and relevant agencies at both the state and federal levels," she added.
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