The health minister said the ministry had engaged with many parties on the draft bill, including the vape industry.

“Yesterday, vape industry players said they agreed with the draft bill. For them, it’s not just about the generational end game but also about the need to regulate the industry, something they’ve been waiting for the government to do for more than 10 years,” he said at a press conference.

His comments come in the wake of reports that several groups had voiced concerns about the blanket ban proposed under the bill.

If approved, the bill would not only prohibit the sale of cigarettes and tobacco, but also vape products to anyone born after 2005.

Last week, several vape associations, representing 3,000 entrepreneurs and local businesses, had submitted a memorandum to urge the government to consider the future of Malaysia’s vape industry when developing regulations.

Meanwhile, Khairy was also hopeful of getting the support of MPs from both sides of the aisle for the bill since the vape industry, a major stakeholder, has already given its green light.

He said that he will engage with the MPs next week after the bill is tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

Khairy added that he hoped no MPs would use the argument that the bill would benefit the illegal cigarette market as an excuse to oppose the bill, because the goal was to end smoking and save Malaysians in the long-term from smoking-related illnesses.

He was responding to a question on the government’s plans to get the support of those who currently oppose the bill.