“That’s a good suggestion, I may pick up on it. It is a very good proposal, and I will bring it up for consideration,” he said at a press conference here today.

Earlier this month, think tank Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy urged the government to include fruits and vegetables in the list of goods that people can buy using the SARA aid, in order to improve their dietary habits.

This was backed by the health ministry’s nutrition division, which called for policies to allow more affordable nutritious food for the masses.

Dzul eyes mid-2026 ban on vapes

Separately, Dzulkefly said the government remained committed to banning vape products, adding that he was looking towards implementing the prohibition around mid-2026.

“We are taking a phased approach. The effort is ultimately to ban vape. But I cannot preempt the Cabinet’s decision,” he said.

The minister said an expert committee had already given its recommendations, which would be detailed when the final memorandum is presented to the Cabinet.

“I’m hoping it will be sometime in the middle of 2026. If not, then in the second half. But you must remember there are many other factors to take into consideration. Still, we definitely want to ban (vapes).”