Perlis bans vape shops from Aug 1

Summary

• Perlis bans vape shops starting Aug 1, says Menteri Besar Shukri Ramli.

• He says licences given to vape shops will be revoked, based on syariah principles and a 2022 Fatwa Committee decision.

Perlis is banning vape shops starting from Aug 1, said Menteri Besar Shukri Ramli today.

Citing syariah principles and a decision from the state Fatwa Committee, he said licences given to vape shops will be revoked.

“Vape is a threat. We are implementing this ban based on the state fatwa.

“Although we cannot control all channels, especially online sales, we will still take action against premises and traders in the state,” he was quoted as saying by PAS mouthpiece Harakah Daily.

In 2022, the Perlis Fatwa Committee issued a fatwa declaring the use of vapes as haram.

Shukri’s announcement came a day after the Health Ministry said it is establishing a special committee to study vape usage among schoolchildren.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad cited cases that have gone viral about the use of vapes by school students.

He said that after its meeting, the committee will provide recommendations on the matter to him.

Commenting further, Shukri expressed hope that the federal government will take a similar stance.

This is because online sales lie under the federal government’s jurisdiction, he explained.

He added that the state government’s approach towards vape usage is similar to that on gambling.

“We will not issue licenses for vape. This is the same as our action against gambling premises. That is our clear and principled approach,” he said.

When asked about how this would affect small businesses, he urged those selling vapes to pivot towards more beneficial industries.

“Any better business, please. There are many more areas that can be explored. The state government will help as much as possible in this transition process,” he said.

According to Harakah Daily, there are about 30 vape shops in Perlis.

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