Controlling the sale of vapouriser products will deal a ‘fatal’ blow to the vaping business which is mostly run by Malay entrepreneurs.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob gave this warning after health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah announced yesterday that vapouriser products with nicotine can only be sold by licensed pharmacists and registered medical practitioners.

Ismail Sabri said such a move would adversely impact vape entrepreneurs.

"It means that vape entrepreneurs can no longer sell vape because pharmacies are owned by big companies, especially foreign companies," he said.

This will surely kill the vape business which is owned mostly by young Malays, he added.

"I hope the Health Ministry will review this regulation, taking into account the loss that is bound to happen to vape entrepreneurs who will be forced to close their business," he said.

He suggested that the Health Ministry discuss the controversial issue with vape entrepreneurs to find a win-win situation.

Ismail Sabri also rued the sudden change of mind on the regulations of vape products.

Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Deputy Minister Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah's statement that the ministry will impose price adjustments on vape to specific standards came as a relief for vape entrepreneurs, Ismail Sabri said.

"This is because it gave off the impression that vape will now be allowed," he said in a Facebook posting today.

Ismail Sabri has previously said that he wanted Malaysian vapouriser products to be world famous as bumiputera entrepreneurs can make 'great flavours' without the use of controlled substances.

"I want to see Malaysia vape products to be world renowned, and what will make us more proud is because it is due to the creative work of young Malays and bumiputera," he said yesterday.

The Health Ministry had cracked down on vape shops and seized vape liquids that contained nicotine, a controlled substance that requires a permit to sell.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam had said vaping could be as bad as smoking cigarettes.

The raids have been criticised by fellow members, especially after the cabinet decided on Friday that vaping would not be banned for now.