Malaysian Muslim Consumers' Association (PPIM) chief activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan said the Health Ministry should issue guidelines on the definition of e-cigarettes.

"The ministry should undertake an immediate study encompassing consumerism aspects and what are being practised by the people of this country in order to determine the danger level of the use of e-cigarettes.

"It is important for people to know the definition of and guidelines on e-cigarette, whether it falls under the category of cigarettes or hazardous foodstuff," he said.

A survey found that 75 per cent of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) users have switched to this device as an alternative to regular cigarettes.

Here is an infographic on electronic cigarettes in Malaysia.

e-cigarette