IPOH: The ban on vape and electronic cigarette sales will be discussed with the Health Ministry, says the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
"Regarding this matter, we will discuss with the Health Ministry to finetune the regulations.
"If we can reach an agreement, we will enforce this in all local governments (PBT) throughout the country," he said after officiating at the 2024 New Village Expo and prize presentation ceremony of the Good Village competition of the Northern region on Sunday (Nov 24).
On Nov 19, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government will continue to regulate vaping through the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act that came into force on Oct 1.
He added that the government has no plans to ban vaping at the national level. However, he said the decision is ultimately up to the respective state governments.
On Monday (Nov 18), it was reported that the Pahang Sultan suggested that the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes be completely banned.
Sultan Abdullah was reported to have suggested the recommendation following his concern over the increasing drug abuse in Pahang, especially among the youth, based on statistics from the National Anti-Drugs Agency.
According to the Sultan, one of the main reasons why young people fall into drug addiction, both directly and indirectly, starts with the use of vape.
Sultan Abdullah also said vape devices are harmful to health and urged the government to impose a total ban on vaping.
On a separate matter, Nga said that as of now there are about 15,000 traditional villages and some 613 New Villages in the country, with Perak having the most at 163.
"This time under the Sejati Madani programme, a large allocation has been allocated by the Prime Minister's Department, namely RM1bil to all traditional villages, PPR communities and new villages.
"Some 242 new villages have applied and 122 have been approved to receive RM100,000.
"This allocation is for them to apply and receive in order to promote the products of these villages to increase income and further stimulate the economy of the community," he added.
At the Chinese New Village expo held at the Ipoh Town Hall today (Nov 24), he said that the sales amounted to about RM123,000.
He said the three-day expo, held from Nov 22 to Nov 24, showcases a range of featured products and services from 12 Chinese new villages in the northern region of the country.
"For three days and as of 10am just now, the sales for the village products have totalled RM123,000.
"This is proof of how the Madani government helps our people not to depend on subsidies, but to stand on their own feet. The government is helping with these initiatives to increase their income," he said.
The expo is organised by the Housing and Local Government and local governments together with the National Craftsmen Welfare Association and the Ulu Langat Giraffe Community Book Club.
These include wayang kulit from Kampung Kasar in Terengganu, traditional snacks from Kampung Sungai Pinang Pangkor and mee suah from Kampung China Sitiawan.
Nga added that the expo will be held in the southern region next year, followed by the Klang Valley in 2026 in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
