Penang vapers urged to only vape in designated smoking areas

GEORGE TOWN: Vapers in Penang have been urged to follow the rules and respect the ethics' smokers abide with.
State Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said this meant not vaping in areas gazetted as smoke free like the George Town World Heritage Zone and public parks.
"They can vape in designated smoking areas," he told a press conference yesterday.
The activity is under scrutiny after Johor and Kedah ban the sale of such products while the National Fatwa Council has declared vaping as "haram" (forbidden).
Afif pointed out the Penang administration has yet to formulate a policy on the matter and noted federal authorities and the Ministry of Health have not given any direction yet.
"I have written to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam to ask for direction," he added.
Afif also said the state will organise a forum on Jan 5 next year in Komtar to gather feedback from the industry, public and NGOs on the matter.
"We want to hear the views of all those involved," he said.