Results of study on vape to be presented to cabinet by end of January

The results of the study on the use of devices and liquid flavourings for electronic cigarettes or vape will be presented to the Cabinet later this month, said Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.

He said the study aimed at among other things, to find out the extent of which vape vapour could affect health, besides determining the specifications to be followed by manufacturers.

"If vape is to remain in the country, vape users and sellers need to fulfill the procedures and criteria which will be determined.

"I am aware that many states have issued a fatwa banning vape because they feel it's something that can cause individuals to contract certain diseases," he told reporters after attending a high tea with Larut Wanita UMNO at Batu 20, today.

Hamzah, who is also Larut MP, said so far, there had been no studies done locally or abroad which could prove that the use of vape caused harm.

Elaborating further, Hamzah said that when the rules on the use of vape were established, it would make it easier for the authorities to take action against those who abused it.

"When there is a law, it is easy for us to take action, as when there is no law whatever offences are done, there is no Act to take action against them.

"For example, there are vapes which do not contain nicotine when a person uses them, I understand that the smoke that comes out is not like tobacco (smoke), but is vapour. There is a difference between vapour and smoke that can cause harm to a person," he said.

Recently, the National Fatwa Council ruled that the use of electronic cigarettes and vape was illegal, and the decision was reached after taking into consideration all aspects including the syariah, medically and scientifically, as well as elements of waste and unhealthy culture.