In a recent development, the Minister of the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has once again confirmed the ban on the use of vape in Malaysia. 

The decision was based on the findings of the National Council Fatwa Committee's Special Muzakarah. This reaffirms the government's stance on the issue, which was initially implemented at the end of 2015.

While there have been arguments stating that vaping or electronic cigarettes can assist heavy smokers in reducing their smoking habits, it is deemed appropriate to avoid their usage, particularly by those who indulge in it without any valid purpose. 

From a Sharia perspective, scholars from all four schools of thought, namely Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, have mentioned in their books that the consumption of harmful substances, including food or drinks, is prohibited.

According to Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, the prohibition extends to substances that are harmful to the body, even if they are considered pure, such as poison, soil, or glass. Islam considers harm as one of the criteria when determining the prohibition of a particular food, drink, or substance, with the harm needing to be clearly and indisputably proven.

The minister provided this clarification in a written response on the Parliament website, in reply to a question posed by Mohd Hasnizan Harun from the PN-Hulu Selangor constituency. 

Mohd Hasnizan sought the government's position on the use of vaping and its impact on health, specifically requesting the stance of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs of Malaysia (MKI).

With this confirmation from the religious authorities, it is expected that the ban on vaping will continue to be enforced in Malaysia, aligning with the religious teachings and considerations regarding the consumption of harmful substances.