(Illustrative photo: AFP)Hanoi (VNA) – Malaysia isconsidering banning the sale of electronic cigarettes following reports ofdeaths in the US linked to e-cigarettes, said the country’s Minister of HealthDzulkefly Ahmad on October 14.
As of October 11, US authorities hadreported 29 deaths and 1,299 cases of respiratory illnesses linked to the useof e-cigarettes, amid calls for stricter regulations.
Malaysia was already finalising a law thatwould ban the use of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes andvaporisers, among minors and prohibit their promotion and advertising.
The country is now considering a completeban on the new devices, Ahmad said, noting that a detailed study is required toreview the need for enforcing a total ban on the sale of e-cigarettesand vapes.
He added that the Health Ministry had setup a committee to look into the matter.
Tobacco products in Malaysia are currentlyregulated under the Food Act while the sale of vapouriser liquids containingnicotine has been banned since 2015.
However, there are no specific regulationsgoverning the sale and use of non-nicotine vapourisers and e-cigarettes./.
As of October 11, US authorities hadreported 29 deaths and 1,299 cases of respiratory illnesses linked to the useof e-cigarettes, amid calls for stricter regulations.
Malaysia was already finalising a law thatwould ban the use of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes andvaporisers, among minors and prohibit their promotion and advertising.
The country is now considering a completeban on the new devices, Ahmad said, noting that a detailed study is required toreview the need for enforcing a total ban on the sale of e-cigarettesand vapes.
He added that the Health Ministry had setup a committee to look into the matter.
Tobacco products in Malaysia are currentlyregulated under the Food Act while the sale of vapouriser liquids containingnicotine has been banned since 2015.
However, there are no specific regulationsgoverning the sale and use of non-nicotine vapourisers and e-cigarettes./.
VNA
