As of October 11, US authorities had reported 29 deaths and 1,299 cases of respiratory illnesses linked to the use of e-cigarettes, amid calls for stricter regulations.
Malaysia was already finalising a law that would ban the use of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vaporisers, among minors and prohibit their promotion and advertising.
The country is now considering a complete ban on the new devices, Ahmad said, noting that a detailed study is required to review the need for enforcing a total ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes.
He added that the Health Ministry had set up a committee to look into the matter.
Tobacco products in Malaysia are currently regulated under the Food Act while the sale of vapouriser liquids containing nicotine has been banned since 2015.
However, there are no specific regulations governing the sale and use of non-nicotine vapourisers and e-cigarettes.
