Read articles from Asia

February 24, 2026 by scmp.com

In Malaysia, vaping has shifted underground, becoming discreet and less openly available. Batrisyia notes the disappearance of prominent displays and online sales. Vapes are now sold quietly in some shops. The discreet pen-like devices offer a simple, odorless experience. In Pontian, Malaysia, where Batrisyia resides, the appeal of discretion has grown due to the underground nature of the trade.

February 24, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Indonesian health groups urge the Ministry of Health to require graphic health warnings and plain packaging for e-cigarettes due to growing youth use and lack of regulation. They warn that colorful packaging and lax oversight raise the risk of addiction and exposure to harmful substances among adolescents, advocating for stricter enforcement and a social media advertising ban. With high teen smoking rates, the groups push for swift regulatory measures to reduce youth consumption and improve oversight.

February 23, 2026 by reuters.com

On Friday, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration of China issued a notice aimed at curbing price wars in the country’s e-cigarette industry. The regulator instructed manufacturers to address overcapacity by suspending new investment projects and halting the construction of additional production plants. Although it stated that the overall capacity utilisation rate remains at a high level, the authority expressed concern about excessive expansion and intensified competition. The notice also warned companies not to circumvent the directive by building facilities officially designated for other products but in reality used to manufacture e-cigarettes.

February 23, 2026 by bbc.com

Singapore has launched a new crackdown on vapes, eight years after officially banning the product, aligning its efforts with other countries that are tightening regulations on e-cigarettes. The move comes amid growing concern over a rise in teenage vaping, particularly involving so-called k-pods, which are e-cigarettes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic normally used in hospitals. Authorities have introduced stricter penalties to address the issue, including fines, mandatory rehabilitation, and even caning for those found supplying k-pods.

February 05, 2026 by thestar.com.my

The South Korean government will reclassify all nicotine-based products as tobacco to regulate e-cigarettes and liquid vape sales starting April 24. The revised law includes health warnings, advertising restrictions, and penalties for violations. Vending machines must be in adult-only areas, and flavored products aimed at youth are banned. Concerns over underage access to e-cigarettes have prompted stricter regulations due to minors using liquid e-cigarettes more than traditional cigarettes. Unmanned e-cigarette shops have exploited loopholes in tobacco laws, lacking age-verification systems and youth restrictions.

February 04, 2026 by chosun.com

Starting April 24, liquid e-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine will be regulated the same as conventional cigarettes. Individuals who use such e-cigarettes in no-smoking areas may face fines of up to 100,000 won. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated on the 3rd that, following the recent revision of the Tobacco Business Act, it will implement related regulations under the National Health Promotion Act, including these measures, beginning April 24. As a result, tobacco manufacturers and importers will be required to include warning images and statements on the packaging and advertising of all tobacco products.

February 04, 2026 by joins.com

Starting April 24, e-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine will be regulated in the same way as conventional combustible cigarettes, following an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act that broadens the legal definition of tobacco. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Tuesday that the revision, which was approved by the National Assembly late last year, will require tobacco manufacturers, importers, retailers, and users to adhere to the new rules once the law comes into effect.

January 30, 2026 by freemalaysiatoday.com

The managing director of a tobacco company in Malaysia has urged the government to follow Japan’s example by reducing the harmful effects of smoking instead of banning e-cigarettes and vapes outright. Naeem Shahab Khan of Philip Morris Malaysia and Singapore noted that Japan legally ensures access to heated tobacco products and other alternatives for smokers. He called this a “pragmatic harm-reduction approach.” In Malaysia, e-cigarettes and vapes will be banned by the end of this year, starting with pod system vapes. Khan also highlighted that Japan uses a separate tax structure for heated tobacco products.

January 19, 2026 by focustaiwan.tw

Starting from Feb. 1, travelers entering Taiwan can bring 200 duty-free heated tobacco sticks, bought in Taiwan airports, due to health approval rules. Only approved products can be brought in to comply with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. Those found with unapproved items may face fines. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has designated two companies with approved heated tobacco products for sale in Taiwan. Travelers are advised to buy these products in duty-free shops to prevent violations. The Health Promotion Administration will educate the public on these regulations.

January 19, 2026 by bbc.com

Singapore is cracking down on e-cigarettes like vapes and K-pods, banning them since 2018 to combat drug-laced products. Severe penalties now include fines, caning, and jail time. Customs officers are vigilant, finding hidden vapes in various vehicles at checkpoints. An extensive public health campaign warns of vaping dangers, with a hotline for reporting offenders. The government aims to prevent a rise in drug usage, particularly targeting youths. While the strict measures have support, some criticize the ban as excessive, believing adults should choose for themselves.