PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has launched Operasi Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa) to crack down on smoking and vape offences — paving the way for a possible future ban on vapes.

Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Ops Selamat PaPa is being conducted to strengthen the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852].

“This operation is being conducted simultaneously and in an integrated manner nationwide,” he said during a press conference at Gombak, Selangor, on Friday (Aug 1).

He emphasised that this operation was an important step towards protecting the younger generation from the dangers of smoking products, which includes the widespread use of electronic cigarettes and vapes.

He also mentioned that from Oct 1, 2024, till Aug 1, 2025, a total of 281,381 premises were inspected, and the actions were taken.

Among the enforcement priorities in this operation are product registration, ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship and control over the sale and packaging of smoking products

At the same time, the Health Ministry also thanked the government for its RM40bil allocation, a 31.6% increase from the 12th Malaysia Plan.