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Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo

KUCHING (Sept 27): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed disappointment over the government’s decision to delay a full ban on vaping until mid-2026.

“This delay is unacceptable,” said MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo in a press statement issued yesterday.

“Every single day without a total ban means more of our youths becoming addicted, more cases of E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) and other lung injuries surfacing, and more opportunities for vaping devices to be misused for dangerous drugs such as fentanyl,” he warned.

“Vaping is not harmless. It has fuelled a new wave of nicotine addiction among Malaysian youths, many of whom are being lured by aggressive marketing and flavoured products.

“According to recent reports, even children as young as eight can identify vape juices. We are already seeing worrying health consequences, including lung injuries linked to e-cigarettes, while drug-laced vapes have been detected in the market,” he added.

It should be stressed that fentanyl, already found in vape devices, is far deadlier than nicotine, he pointed out.

“By postponing the ban, the government is not ‘buying time.’ It is prolonging the period of harm and addiction, exposing Malaysians, especially our children, to risks we already know are real. Each month of delay risks more preventable illness, more lives lost, and an even deeper addiction crisis.

“This is not a problem for tomorrow. It is a problem for today. Public health cannot wait. The time for a total ban on vaping is now, not 2026,” he said.

He urged the government to act responsibly and urgently, stressing that public health must take precedence over industry interests or tax revenues.

Meanwhile, at the launch of the first National Blueprint for Behavioural Insights in Health in Cyberjaya yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is targeting the middle of next

He explained that the ministry is adopting a phased approach, but its ultimate goal remains a complete ban on vape products.

An expert committee has also provided recommendations and is reviewing the matter in detail, he added.

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