KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed full support for efforts to ban the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping nationwide, citing their harmful effects on public health and the future of the younger generation.

"Vaping should be banned completely.

"We must not be lenient, it will only cause further harm to our people," His Majesty said, adding that Pahang had already taken initial steps towards enforcing a state-level ban.

Al-Sultan Adullah said the move in Pahang would go through the appropriate legislative process, with a law to be drafted in the state assembly before enforcement by local authorities.

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"We are currently working to educate the public that vape is a prohibited substance.

"It is now only a matter of time before enforcement begins," he said during a meeting with the leadership of the Malaysian Women Journalists Association (PERTAMA), led by its president Sariha Mohd Ali, here yesterday.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also raised concerns over the rising problem of drug abuse, especially among youths, and called for stricter enforcement to ensure that existing laws have greater impact.

He said Malaysia's borders, including airport terminals, seaports and land crossings, must be better secured to prevent the entry of illicit drugs.

"Where is the root of the problem? You need to strengthen the borders, boost security and fortify them.

"That's where it starts," he said.

He highlighted a trend in drug smuggling involving fishing boats along the east coast, stressing the need for enhanced maritime surveillance, especially in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.

Also present were deputy president Nasriah Darus, secretary Nor Hasliza Abdullah, treasurer M. Saraswathi, and other committee members.

In November last year, Al-Sultan Abdullah had called for an outright ban on vaping following a concerning rise in drug addiction cases in Pahang.

He had expressed alarm over figures from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) showing that Pahang had 11,750 active drug addicts.