Vape ban: Not Federal Govt's policy to give recommendations to State Govt - Dr Subra

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.