The Ministry of Health Malaysia is expected to announce new enforcement measures soon to tackle the growing issue of so-called “zombie vapes”, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
Dzulkefly said the ministry is strengthening enforcement efforts amid concerns over the misuse of open-system electronic cigarettes mixed with illegal substances, including drugs.
“This is an issue the ministry is paying very close attention to. Our first approach is to strengthen enforcement,” he said during a press conference after the opening ceremony of Hospital Seri Iskandar on Thursday.
The event was officiated by Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
According to Dzulkefly, the ministry is currently finalising several enforcement actions and further announcements are expected in the near future.
He added that the Health Ministry is working closely with multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Royal Malaysia Police and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to address the issue comprehensively.
“All relevant agencies have been informed and the enforcement process is ongoing,” he said.
Previously, the ministry established a special committee to study the vape issue from legal and public health perspectives following reports that vape devices containing prohibited substances, including the dangerous synthetic opioid furanyl fentanyl, were being sold in the market.
The issue came to light after Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department launched Ops Vape 1.0 nationwide from April 13, which resulted in seizures worth RM4.6 million.
