(Sibu, 25th) – Despite the fact that both the federal government and the Sarawak state government have made their stance clear and plan to implement a total ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes), there are still many people who are interested in starting businesses related to e-cigarettes.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said this trend is worrying because it is happening even after the government has clearly signaled a comprehensive ban.
“The question is not whether we should ban e-cigarettes, but when to implement the ban. The Cabinet has already discussed this, and the Sarawak state government also has its own plans for a ban.” He made these remarks yesterday after presenting marriage, childbirth, and education allowances to residents of the Pelawan constituency.
He emphasized that although the implementation date of the ban has not yet been finalized, an early warning is necessary to prevent people from investing in an industry that will not be viable in the long term.
“There are still many new businesses wanting to invest in the e-cigarette industry, both from inside and outside Sarawak. I must remind everyone in advance that the state and federal governments have reached a consensus to implement a total ban on e-cigarettes. I hope this reminder can help them avoid losses,” he said.
Speaking about the overall issue of e-cigarettes, Tiang pointed out that the harm caused by e-cigarettes now even exceeds that of conventional cigarettes, because they are being widely abused—including as a medium for drug consumption.
“E-cigarettes were initially promoted as a healthier alternative to cigarettes, but now they have evolved into a channel for drug use and other illegal activities. We firmly oppose this phenomenon, and a total ban will be implemented soon.” he stressed.
On a separate note, he also mentioned the subsidy scheme for the Pelawan constituency. He said that since its introduction in 2022, the program has distributed a total of RM464,000 in special aid to residents.
He added that this aid is aimed at encouraging the younger generation to start families, even in the face of pressures from the high cost of living and rising educational expenses.
“Young people today face many challenges, including high living expenses and increased educational costs, and many are therefore hesitant to get married or have children. We want to provide support from the very beginning, including arranging expert parenting knowledge sharing, to help boost their confidence,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said this trend is worrying because it is happening even after the government has clearly signaled a comprehensive ban.
“The question is not whether we should ban e-cigarettes, but when to implement the ban. The Cabinet has already discussed this, and the Sarawak state government also has its own plans for a ban.” He made these remarks yesterday after presenting marriage, childbirth, and education allowances to residents of the Pelawan constituency.
He emphasized that although the implementation date of the ban has not yet been finalized, an early warning is necessary to prevent people from investing in an industry that will not be viable in the long term.
“There are still many new businesses wanting to invest in the e-cigarette industry, both from inside and outside Sarawak. I must remind everyone in advance that the state and federal governments have reached a consensus to implement a total ban on e-cigarettes. I hope this reminder can help them avoid losses,” he said.
Speaking about the overall issue of e-cigarettes, Tiang pointed out that the harm caused by e-cigarettes now even exceeds that of conventional cigarettes, because they are being widely abused—including as a medium for drug consumption.
“E-cigarettes were initially promoted as a healthier alternative to cigarettes, but now they have evolved into a channel for drug use and other illegal activities. We firmly oppose this phenomenon, and a total ban will be implemented soon.” he stressed.
On a separate note, he also mentioned the subsidy scheme for the Pelawan constituency. He said that since its introduction in 2022, the program has distributed a total of RM464,000 in special aid to residents.
He added that this aid is aimed at encouraging the younger generation to start families, even in the face of pressures from the high cost of living and rising educational expenses.
“Young people today face many challenges, including high living expenses and increased educational costs, and many are therefore hesitant to get married or have children. We want to provide support from the very beginning, including arranging expert parenting knowledge sharing, to help boost their confidence,” he said.