PENANG will maintain its existing enforcement approach against vape products containing nicotine while awaiting further directives from the Federal Government, particularly on the legal implications following its decision not to appeal the status of nicotine liquid under the Poisons Act 1952.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen (PH – Padang Lalang) said the state Health Department would continue enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) pending further clarification from the Health Ministry.
He said the legal implications and enforcement mechanisms were still being examined and discussed at the Federal level, particularly in relation to the Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366) and Act 852.
“Penang will continue to support and coordinate its actions based on the Federal Government’s decisions once the legal aspects and implementation mechanisms have been finalised,” he said in response to an oral question from Wong Yuee Harng (PH – Pengkalan Kota) during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Gooi reiterated that the state government’s position was to curb the use of electronic cigarettes and vape products in the interest of public health and the well-being of Penangites.
“However, there are various legal challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that the implementation achieves its intended objectives,” he said.
He added that it was still too early for the state government to decide whether to revoke or refuse to renew existing business licenses, reject applications for new licenses, or issue directives to stop the sale of nicotine-containing vape products.
The possibility of granting a transition period to affected traders would also depend on further decisions by the Federal Government.
“We are still awaiting further decisions from the Federal Government on the legal aspects and implementation,” he said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat