PHNOM PENH, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Wednesday expressed concern over a recent surge in electronic cigarette or vape use, ordering authorities to strictly enforce the country's existing import bans on these products.
Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, Hun Manet warned that vaping not only damages users' health but also threatens social security and public order.
"Currently, there is a rise in vape use, especially among teenagers," he said. "This is a concern."
The Southeast Asian country has prohibited the importation, sale, and use of shisha and e-cigarettes since 2014.
"The authorities must strictly enforce the ban because e-cigarettes harm public health and the well-being of young users," Hun Manet said.
The prime minister also directed authorities to completely prohibit vaping within and around the premises of public and private schools, teacher training institutions, dormitories, community learning centers, gyms, and sports facilities.
Furthermore, he reiterated that the kingdom bans all investment in manufacturing e-cigarettes and shisha pipes, even if produced exclusively for export, stating that such operations would be too difficult to regulate and control. ■