S'gor moots vape tax be distributed to states, local authorities

The Selangor government has proposed that part of the tax collected from the sale of electronic cigarettes (vape) products be channelled to all state governments and local authorities.

State Public Health and Environment Committee chairperson Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the move is important to ensure the tax revenue is used to manage and address the negative effects of vape sales, in addition to supporting more comprehensive enforcement actions and public education efforts at the grassroots level.

"For example, the state government and the local authorities need sufficient resources to carry out integrated enforcement operations on premises selling vape illegally, especially to teenagers and schoolchildren, as well as implement community advocacy and awareness programmes regarding the dangers of vape use.

"It can also be used to provide support to educational institutions, the community and the local authorities in monitoring and preventing the sale of vapes in restricted areas, besides providing rehabilitation treatment for those addicted to nicotine, especially the youth,” she said in a statement today.

Jamaliah said that without proper distribution of resources to state governments and local councils, enforcement efforts will only be focused at the central level, thus making it difficult for comprehensive implementation, especially in large states like Selangor.

She also urged the Health Ministry to consider establishing a collaborative mechanism between the federal government and the state government in terms of vape control, by taking into account local needs and views.‎

"The state government believes that close cooperation between the federal and state governments and local councils can help curb the sale and use of vapes more effectively for the well-being of the people,” she added,

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni had previously said that the ministry plans to impose a 10-fold hike in taxes on e-cigarette or vape liquid, from 40 sen to RM4 per ml.

He added that the proposal had been submitted to the Finance Ministry to align taxes for vape products with those of conventional tobacco products.

- Bernama

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