Sarawak considers banning sale of vape products
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Malaysia’s Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said vaping was a national issue, especially after vape products were found to be laced with illicit drugs.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
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KUCHING – Sarawak is considering banning the sale of vape products due to concerns over their potential for drug abuse, said Malaysia’s Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the proposal had received full support at the Drug Eradication Action Council’s meetings in Serian, Sibu and Miri on July 16.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim said vaping was a national issue, especially after vape products were found to be laced with illicit drugs.
“Previously, vaping was seen as an alternative to smoking, but now it is widely misused for drug consumption,” he said.
“This is why the government must look into the matter seriously. At the state level, we have unanimously agreed to ban vape.”
He noted that several states in Malaysia had issued fatwas, or religious rulings, against vaping.
But the minister said federal legislation passed in Parliament was required to make vaping illegal.
“Vaping has evolved over the years to the extent that unscrupulous individuals are using it to cause addiction and hallucinations,” he said.
“This is where the government needs to look at it from every angle, including banning it.” THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
