It has not been the federal government's policy to recommend to the state government to enact by-laws to ban the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vape in the community so far, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam.
He said this in response to confusion in the media over his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya's remarks who was alleged to have welcomed all initiatives against electronic cigarettes.
"I did not say anything like that. We at the federal level are discussing this with various related ministries to enforce laws against vape at a later period," he told reporters here Saturday.
He was met during the MIC Negeri Sembilan leadership's friendly gathering with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, who is also state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Also present were MIC deputy president Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany and vice-president Datuk Jaspal Singh, as well as Negeri Sembilan MIC chairman Datuk L. Manickam.
Dr Subramaniam, who is also MIC president, said his ministry was also looking at the experiences in other countries in relation to vape.
In his speech, he said the MIC must show its strength during the 14th General Elections if they wished to remain relevant in the political climate of the country.
Therefore, he said all party leaders and members needed to work together to ensure the party remained strong.
"After we ended the party crisis recently, we have to move on and continue to move forward in the party's struggle. We have no time left to fight among us. Now is the time for us to unite and move forward because to face the many challenges, our unity must be solid and strong," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said MIC party members must be confident with the party's new leadership to protect the rights of Indians in the country.
"The new MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam has opened up a new chapter to strengthen the party, and what's important is everyone must give him support," he said, adding that he also believed the future of the Indian community in the country was more secure under BN.
Bernama
Sun Dec 06 2015
DR SUBRAMANIAM: The vape ban issue is still being discussed at the federal level, to see if laws will be enforced at a later period.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.