KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Sabah Fatwa Council has forbidden Muslims in the state from smoking e-cigarettes or vaping, and shisha on health grounds.

Sabah mufti Bungsu Aziz Jaafar, who chaired a special state conference in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (Jan 21), said that the decision also forbade Muslims from being involved in such businesses.

He said the decision was based on concerns that such habits were unhealthy for people as well as views under syariah principles that Muslims should stay away from habits that could harm their body.

The move was also in line with the National Fatwa Council's declaration that the use of vaping as haram for Muslims.

According to Datuk Bungsu, the Sultan would be briefed over the issue and the Majlis Agama Islam Sabah (Muis) would then recommend to the state government to gazette the ruling.

"Once the state government approves and it is gazetted with relevant laws in place, then only can it be enforced," he added.

The state government has yet to make an official stand on the use of vape, with such businesses allowed to continue.