North Sumatra Governor pushes for regional regulation banning vape use

Medan (ANTARA) - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution is pushing for the establishment of a regional regulation (perda) on the prohibition of using electronic cigarettes or vapes in public places. “We already requested a review yesterday. We want the review to be thorough, with strong legal foundations. If necessary, the regulation should include sanctions,” Bobby stated after attending the special plenary session for the 78th anniversary of North Sumatra Province at the North Sumatra DPRD Building on Wednesday. The governor said that this perda on the vape ban is considered urgent because the spread of vapes is increasing rapidly in society, including among civil servants (ASN). North Sumatra, he continued, must take quicker and more precise steps as a form of early anticipation. Several locations are the main focus in this planned vape ban, explained Bobby, such as offices, cafes, and various types of businesses that are deemed to need strict rules. “We propose that the use of vapes be prohibited in public places, whether offices, cafes, or other business venues. Because we see that their sales are already very open, even at cashiers,” he revealed. The governor also admitted to having discussed the electronic cigarette ban with the Head of the Provincial National Narcotics Agency, Brigjen Pol Tatar Nugroho. “Yesterday with the Head of BNN, this has also been discussed at the central level. In North Sumatra, perhaps due to our geography being close to abroad, there are many entry points,” he said.