A new law to regulate the use of tobacco products which is being drafted by the Health Ministry will take into account the suitable control on the use of vape and the act of vaping which is harmful to human health, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.

He said the existing laws, namely the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations (Amendment) 2011 under the Food Act 1983 was seen as not so effective, especially in terms of fines imposed on offenders, to control the use of vape and other tobacco products, including cigarettes.

"We have included vape so that we can control its usage. At the moment, there is no control and vape is very dangerous, especially if the vapour is inhaled by our children. I advise vapers to stop the habit as it has negative effect on health.

"The process of drafting the new law on tobacco products has been on-going for about two years and I hope it will be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible," he told reporters after launching a Zoomers Young Doctors' Club programme at Selandar Integrated Boarding School here Tuesday.

Also present was Malacca Health Department director, Datuk Dr Ghazali Othman.

Meanwhile, Hilmi said there had been an increase in haze-related diseases such as cough, asthma and sore eyes in the country, especially in Malacca, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and the Federal Territories.

"The public are advised to avoid outdoor activities right now as haze could be detrimental to their health and to take precautions by wearing face mask," he added.