He said the task force is headed by health deputy director-general (public health) Dr Ismuni Bohari and the ministry’s public health adviser Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Sinar Harian reported.

“We have taken note of several cases on social media involving students, and deaths linked with the use of vape.

“Early investigations have found several comorbidity factors, that need to be looked into before any decisions are made,” he was quoted as saying at the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya today.

Last month, deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said more states needed to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes, which have been linked to the use of new synthetic drugs.

Only Kelantan, Johor and Perlis have banned the sale of vape so far, with Terengganu to implement its ban from Aug 1. The Selangor, Penang and Kedah governments are still studying proposals to ban the use and sale of vape.

Dzulkefly said his ministry had directed the task force to immediately discuss and evaluate existing related policies.

He said the enforcement and efficacy of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 would be reviewed, and cases related to the act would be monitored.