Health minister: Ministry targeting vape ban this year
Malaysia's Health Ministry plans to ban vape products, starting with open pod systems, in 2026 to protect public health.Summary
Malaysia's Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, announced the Ministry of Health (MOH) is targeting a vape ban this year, beginning with open pod systems. This move is in line with the full enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which the minister emphasized the ministry will not compromise on. The ban aims to protect future generations from non-communicable diseases and conditions like “popcorn lung,” with open pod systems being targeted due to their association with synthetic drug use. The proposed ban will cover both the sale and use of these products and will be presented to the Cabinet for approval. Additionally, the MOH plans to launch the Rakan KKM initiative in the first quarter of 2026, offering premium healthcare services at selected government hospitals, starting with Cyberjaya Hospital, to retain medical specialists within the public healthcare system.
(Source：Malay Mail)
