Health Ministry considers banning vapes after MUI fatwa
The Health Ministry is considering banning vape distribution in the aftermath of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) recently issuing a fatwa forbidding Muslims from using and selling vape products.
The Indonesian Health Ministry is contemplating a total ban on the distribution of vape products, following the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issuing a fatwa this past November 6 prohibiting Muslims from using or selling such items. The ministry, which welcomed the MUI's directive as a reinforcement of its public health protection efforts, is currently reviewing and strengthening existing controls on vapes.
Health Ministry spokesperson Aji Muhawarman stated that the ministry will continue to examine and bolster policies aimed at safeguarding public health, possibly including a comprehensive prohibition on vape distribution. However, Aji refrained from disclosing specifics about the proposed ban or its anticipated implementation date.
This potential regulatory change arrives in an environment where the government already holds legal authority to restrict vaping but has not applied these laws as consistently as it does with traditional tobacco products. While Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 mandates a ban on vape sales to individuals under 21 and requires health warnings on packaging, enforcement at the retail level has proven to be weak and inconsistent.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
