E-cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes are harmful and regulation on such products will be strengthened, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said.

Prof Chan told the media the Government will enhance existing regulation on e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes after attending a radio programme today.

“Our pragmatic approach is really to quickly increase or strengthen our existing measures so that for example, people who are under 18 would not be able to get these products and advertisements on these products will not be allowed. 

"We will continue to monitor the situation, including international regulations, the recommendations from the World Health Organization, any new or existing research, and also our local smoking prevalence and the use of these products."

Prof Chan added a smoke-free city is the Government's long term goal.