The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on the federal government to implement a comprehensive nationwide ban on the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, citing significant public health risks. The MMA praised the states of Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis for their proactive bans on these products.

MMA president Dr. Kalwinder Singh Khaira highlighted the documented dangers of vaping, including e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali). According to the health ministry, 41 Evali cases were recorded between 2019 and 2024, with treatment costs averaging RM150,000 per patient.

“A nationwide ban is the only effective way to protect public health,” Dr. Kalwinder stated. “We must prioritize the well-being of our people, especially future generations, over commercial interests.”

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2023 revealed a 600% surge in e-cigarette use over the past 12 years, with usage among 15- to 25-year-olds rising from 1.1% to 8.6%. Dr. Kalwinder expressed alarm over the growing trend of youth vaping, driven by appealing flavors and packaging. Last year, nearly 20,000 cases of students vaping in schools were reported, including instances of 13-year-olds using vapes laced with drugs.

Perlis recently joined Johor, Kelantan, and Terengganu in banning vape sales, effective August 1. Johor and Kelantan have enforced bans since 2016 and 2015, respectively, while Terengganu’s ban begins this August. Kedah, meanwhile, has opted to phase out vape sales by not renewing business permits.

Dr. Kalwinder commended the decisive actions of the four states and urged swift federal action, noting that legislative changes should not delay the ban. “Public health cannot wait,” he emphasized.