Kedah to seek fatwa committee's advice on vape sales

The Kedah government will meet with the State Fatwa Committee to discuss whether or not it should ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (vape) in the state, according to State Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Rawi Abd Hamid.

He said although the state had already banned vaping and shisha smoking for Muslims, the ban on the sale of vape would not be made in haste.

For a start, he said explanation and warnings should be given to all traders.

"Maybe we can explain to them (traders) first. For example, for those wishing to venture into the business, they should think of other alternative, while those who already ventured into the business, they should not expand the business.

"It's a matter of law. We entrusted the Fatwa Committee to make the ruling in religious affairs and if they decided to ban it, we have to accept the decision," he told reporters here today.

Last Saturday, Johor became the first state to ban vape following the latest ruling by the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar ordering the ban on the sale of vape and all premises selling vaping products to be closed by Jan 1, 2016.

Earlier on Friday, the Mufti of Kedah Datuk Sheikh Muhamad Baderudin Ahmad called on the state government to ban the sale of vape and shisha in line with council's decision to ban e-cigarettes.

The Kedah Fatwa Committee, at a meeting on Nov 23, decided to ban vaping and shisha smoking for Muslims, saying these could lead to health issues and wastage.