The Johor Sultan has no power to decree a ban on vape shops in the state, according to two constitutional experts.
However, two experts differed on how such a ban can be put in place.
Constitutional law professor Abdul Aziz Bari said a ban on vape shops would have to be done through an enactment by the state legislature.
“The sultan as a constitutional monarch cannot just issue a decree banning vape.
“Good or bad is not the issue here; as a constitutional system there are ways and means to do things.
“Words, be it from the monarch or politician; including that of a judge, attorney-general or police, does not mean anything,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.
As for whether the state has the power to enact laws against vaping, Abdul Aziz pointed out that public health matters falls under the 'Concurrently List' in the ninth schedule of the Federal Constitution.
This means that both the federal government and state governments have the power to regulate issues related to public health.
State can choose not to ban
Lawyer Syahredzan Johan said the Johor executive council can choose not to follow the decree.
“The state government has the final say to make the decision on the ban as per the wishes of His Royal Highness. The state government may choose not to carry out the ban.
“The ban, if implemented, will only be on premises in the state on selling vape products at the local council level,” he said.
The ban could be carried out by not issuing licenses for vape shops to set up and run their businesses, he suggests.
Syahredzan added that the state cannot impose a ban on the practice of vaping itself, as this falls within the jurisdiction of the federal government.
The Co-Chairperson of the National Young Lawyers Committee also lauded the sultan's call not to look at the issue from a race perspective.
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Quick thoughts on the Johor vape 'ban'.
1. HRH has no executive authority to ban vape as reported. The authority lies with the State government ie Exco.
2. The State Government has the final say to make the decision on the ban as per the wishes of HRH. The State Government may choose not to carry out the ban.
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Earlier today, The Star reported that Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has ordered and ban on vaping in the state and wants vape outlets in the state to be closed by Jan 1 next year.
“This is a question of health and its effects on young people. It has nothing to do with businesses and for sure, it has nothing to do with race.
“I am greatly disappointed that some people are bringing up racial threats and political threats,” he was quoted as saying.
The sultan reportedly asserted that the state has the right to invoke local government bylaws to shut down vape outlets, and that he has ordered the state executive council to meet next week to hasten the process.
The vape industry in Malaysia is said to be worth RM2.8 billion last year, and is overwhelmingly bumiputra-owned.
Thus when the Health Ministry cracked down on the industry for selling nicotine products without a license, several groups representing the Malay community had spoken up for the industry.
This had included, among others, Umno Youth, Perkasa and cabinet minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. -Mkini
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