KUALA LUMPUR: It would cost the Health Ministry about RM150,000 to treat a patient diagnosed with e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) for 12 days.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa told the Dewan Rakyat here that 18 EVALI cases had been reported since 2022.
"The ministry intends to go ahead with the tabling of the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill.
"It will feature comprehensive control of electronic cigarettes or vaping products, including a ban on products and packaging that resemble children's games.
"The control on flavours that attract children and teenagers can also be implemented through this bill, she said in a parliamentary written reply to Oscar Ling Chai Yew (Pakatan Harapan-Sibu).
Dr Zaliha also said e-cigarettes come under the jurisdiction of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. The Trade Description (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022 ensures that each device complies with Malaysian Standard MS 2716 for safety.
She said no standard has been set by the Health Ministry for e-cigarette liquids as there was no safe limit.
"Electronic cigarettes or vapes were originally created as an alternative. They were said to be safer than tobacco cigarettes, but the latest scientific studies prove that new millennium cigarettes, including vapes, are still dangerous.
"Various scientific studies have found many adverse effects on health from the use of electronic cigarettes," she added.