Johor first state to ban vape sales: Report

The ruler of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has decreed a ban on vape businesses in the state.

The Star today reported that he had given all vape outlets until the end of this year to end their businesses.

"It's a matter of health and how it will affect the youngsters. It has nothing to do with business or race," the report quoted him as saying.

The state executive council has been commanded to meet next week to hasten the process.

Sultan Ibrahim also brought up the issue of politicians who became threatened by businessmen in the vape industry.

"I want to know if these businessmen would allow their children to vape, if it is as safe and healthy as they claimed," the ruler reportedly said.

Johor is the first state to enforce a ban on the sale of vapes, which will be enforced Jan 1, 2016.

To date, health experts had said no research has indicated that vape will help cigarette smokers to quit their addiction, but it will instead create a new form of addiction among the youth.