KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is moving towards a full ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move requires consideration of several factors, including legal implications, enforcement, and public health.

"The Health Ministry is heading towards a total ban on the use and sale of vapes to contain the problem effectively and wholly.

"The implementation of this ban must be done carefully and take into account various aspects," the minister said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

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In response to a question by Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena), Dzulkefly said that the government had formed an expert committee to study the matter and provide policy recommendations.

He said the committee advised a comprehensive review of industrial, regulatory, economic and licensing aspects before implementing a government-level ban.

"The Health Ministry is also planning detailed discussions with the Finance Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, and the Attorney-General's Chambers," he said.

Dzulkefly added that the ministry is currently enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which regulates product registration, advertising, promotion, sponsorship and other aspects.

In a press conference later, the minister said that the expert committee will review current enforcement mechanisms under the Act and recommend further steps towards a complete ban.

As of June this year, about 70 per cent of 58 police investigation papers found vapes laced with illegal drugs, while 80 per cent of 64 investigations in 2024 showed similar findings.