PETALING JAYA: A mistake in the vetting process led to the appointment of a vape business owner to the Hospital Rembau visitors board, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has acknowledged.

“In this matter, there was a mistake in the vetting process, where the background of the candidate had elements that conflicted with the health policies championed by the ministry. For your information, that individual is no longer serving as a member of the visitors board,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday (July 4).

“I admit that this has significantly impacted public perception towards the ministry, and I give my assurance that the vetting process nationwide will be reviewed and tightened—particularly in terms of eligibility criteria and alignment with the country’s health policies and contributions to the public,” he added.

The controversy emerged after the appointment of vape business owner Datuk Adzwan Abdul Manas to the Hospital Rembau board. Adzwan later resigned following public criticism.

He said he had accepted the post in good faith, with the aim of strengthening communication between patients and the hospital.

“However, after reflecting on the potential impact and negative perception due to my involvement in the vape business, I have decided to relinquish the post,” he said in a Facebook post that has since been taken down.

“It was not the Health Ministry’s fault for issuing the appointment letter. Rather, it was my own shortcoming, as I believed the intention behind the appointment was genuinely for the benefit of the people.

“Once again, I would like to stress that I have stepped down from the position for everyone’s sake,” he added.