Top Takeaways:
- Melaka Health Department is preparing to ban manufacturing and sale of e-cigarettes or vapes, to be presented to the state executive council later this year.
- Officials warn vape liquids contain heavy metals like nickel, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, and cobalt, which are Group 1 carcinogens and pose
- State government remains undecided and awaits full review, weighing public health against confusion among traders and possible economic effects.
The Malaysian state of Melaka’s Health Department has drafted a proposal to ban e-cigarette and vaping manufacturing and sales, with the plan expected to go before the state executive council later this year.
State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee Chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem informed the state assembly on July 23 that the proposal is still under review and that no final decision on support has been made.
“At this stage, the state government has yet to take a position on whether to support or reject the ban, as the matter is still under review,” he was quoted by Bernama.
Ngwe emphasized that while vapes are often perceived as safer alternatives to combustible tobacco, they still carry significant health risks. He pointed out that vape liquids have been found to contain heavy metals classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, including nickel, chromium, and arsenic.
“They also contain cobalt, which is toxic to the lungs, and cadmium, which can damage the kidneys and is also linked to cancer. These heavy metals have also been associated with mental health issues, including depression,” he noted.
The move follows earlier steps in May, when the executive council agreed to deliberate a ban after noting an increase in vape-related lung disease cases in the state. At the time, the Department of Health reported a rise in respiratory illnesses linked to vaping, prompting stronger oversight.
Malaysian states like Johor already have full bans, while Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu are exploring similar restrictions. Melaka has stated it will align with federal directives to avoid inconsistent policies.
Public and industry reactions are mixed. Health advocates support the precautionary approach, but adult vapers voice concerns that a ban may push them toward unregulated sources. According to The Star, many rely on vaping to quit smoking and fear the ban could steer them back to cigarettes or illicit black-market products.
A World Health Organization official, speaking to Free Malaysia Today, backed Malaysia-wide restrictions aimed at youth protection, emphasizing the need for coordinated state and federal efforts.
As Melaka prepares its proposal for the state executive council, key questions remain: What scope will the ban take? Will it cover devices, liquids, or both? And how will regulators address potential law enforcement issues?
