Deputy Health Minister Hilmi Yahaya has contradicted his boss Dr S Subramaniam, who said the ministry is studying a law to ban e-cigarettes or vaping.

It is too early for the ministry to decide whether to prohibit vaping, Hilmi said when met at the Parliament lobby.

Banning vapes would have an impact on cigarettes as both contain nicotine, he said.

"We don't know yet. It is too early to say," Hilmi said, adding that the ministry has yet to decide whether to ban or regulate vaping.

"Vapes contain nicotine as well. Without nicotine there is no kick. If we ban vapes, what about tobacco?" he asked.

According to Hilmi ( photo ), the Health Ministry is studying the formulation of a new law on cigarettes, sisha and vape because the current law on tobacco falls under the Food Act 1993.

Subramaniam told reporters yesterday that his ministry was studying a law to ban vape.

"Our long-term intention is to ban it. We are working on the legal premises to do it," the minister said.

Various laws were being examined for the most appropriate Act to implement the ban.

Subramaniam said vaping was detrimental to health and that its use should be stopped.

Vape is an electronic device that simulates or resembles smoking. With each inhalation, an electronic computer chip powered with a battery will activate an atomiser to heat the fluid stored within, which in turn generates smoke-like vapour.

The vape has become popular in the country but doubts have been raised about its safety.

One non-government organisation, Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (Move), said it has received feedback pointing out the dangers of use of this e-cigarette.

The National Fatwa Council has prohibited Muslims from vaping.