Perak State Government Targets Enforcement of Vape Ban This October

Perak State Government Targets Enforcement of Vape Ban This October

The Perak State Government is targeting the enforcement of a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes throughout the state starting this October.

Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee Chairman, A. Sivanesan, said a working paper regarding the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN) to ensure its implementation runs smoothly.

Drafting Process Underway

"We have directed the Perak JKN, led by its director Dr. Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, to ensure this working paper is completed as soon as possible," explained Sivanesan.

He added that the working paper will be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) for approval before enforcement is carried out, with the implementation targeted for this October.

Sivanesan commented on the matter after officiating the Orthopedic Symposium: Latest Developments and Best Practices in Orthopedics organized by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at a hotel in Ipoh today.

Comprehensive Study Before Implementation

Previously, on June 4, Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, explained that the state government was examining the necessity thoroughly before banning the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak.

Saarani said the issue had been raised in the MMK, but there were several matters that needed to be refined comprehensively to ensure the decision made provides the best benefits for the people.

Health Interests Outweigh Complaints

Sivanesan acknowledged that this ban might cause dissatisfaction among vape entrepreneurs, but he emphasized that this decision is for the good of the people, especially in terms of health.

"We are prepared (for complaints) regarding this matter, and for us, whatever is good for the people, we will proceed with," he asserted.

Orthopedic Symposium Serves as Knowledge Sharing Platform

In the meantime, Sivanesan also praised the initiative by PCSH to organize the orthopedic symposium, which was attended by more than 90 orthopedic specialists from across the country.

He said programs like this should be emulated by other private hospitals in Perak because it not only serves as a platform for sharing knowledge but also helps promote the latest technology in the health sector.

With the implementation of the vape ban set to take effect soon, the state government hopes this step will protect public health and simultaneously reduce the risk of diseases related to electronic cigarette use.