KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not need to follow other countries such as Maldives by banning vaping, and should instead focus on the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefy Ahmad said while the act was in the process of being drafted, Malaysia had already incorporated benchmarking and best practices from other countries.
He said the act was comprehensive.
"We do not need to take examples from any country, although during the early stages of drafting this legislation, we took benchmarks and best practices from all over the world.
"However, at this point, we already have standalone laws that will regulate smoking products, enforce orders, and apply the necessary regulations.
"You don't have to keep looking at others for guidance because we already have ours that are standalone and comprehensive to address issues related to smoking control.
"So, rest assured, we will implement all of these soon," he told reporters after launching the Cik Era Chatbot via the JomQuit website at the Prince Court Medical Centre, here.
Earlier today, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said his government was taking concrete steps towards banning vaping.
He said he had instructed the relevant authorities to initiate the necessary actions to prohibit the import of vape devices, accessories, and parts starting from Nov 15 this year.
Starting Dec 15, the ban will also apply to the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and free distribution of vape devices throughout the country.
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 came into effect on Oct 1.
Among the provisions taking immediate effect is the ban on the sale of smoking products in the form of toys that appeal to children and teenagers.
"Educational enforcement" will be implemented gradually over a period of six to 12 months.
This will include the registration of smoking products starting on 1st April next year, packaging and labelling regulations by product, and sales control at counters by Oct 1 next year.