KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian government will not ban e-cigarettes, a minister said Friday, despite concerns about their health impact.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob said the cabinet in their meeting Friday has decided against the ban.
"Thanks to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for understanding the wishes of the youth. I believe vape will be a better alternative to reduce cigarette smoking and for a healthier life," he said in a posting on his official Facebook page.
E-cigarettes are also known as vapes.
The issue came before the cabinet after the Health Ministry proposed a total ban on e-cigarettes, which have become popular in the country.
Sabri said there are an estimated 1 million vape users in Malaysia and a ban would have affected retailers and producers of the devices and flavours.
The e-cigarette smoking device has an electronic vaporization system and controls, rechargeable batteries, and cartridges that contain varying amounts of liquid nicotine to be vaporized.
The smoker puffs it from one end, inhaling vaporized chemical mixtures.
Users say it is healthier than inhaling cigarrette smoke and its attendant, cancerous tars.