Read articles from Asia

November 20, 2025 by theedgemalaysia.com

The Malaysian tobacco and e-cigarette industry faces increasing regulations and taxes, with bans on vape products in several states, and discussions about a nationwide vape ban. Tobacco companies are adjusting to the changes, with British American Tobacco withdrawing a vaping product. The Ministry of Health proposed a vape liquid tax increase, while Japan Tobacco is focusing on heated tobacco products as part of a global shift towards reduced-risk products. Malaysia's illicit cigarette trade is declining, but potential revenue from properly taxing vape products remains untapped. Japan Tobacco plans significant investments in reducing risky products, like heated tobacco sticks, expecting a shift towards smoke-free alternatives.

November 12, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Thailand has announced that it is launching yet another crackdown on vapes and vaping as a consumer organisation states it risks causing a public health disaster. Amid fear of user rates rising from 80,000 to 400,000, the government is amending its legislation from…err…banning the sale and use of vapes to be a comprehensive…err… ban on the sale and use of vapes.

November 10, 2025 by businesstoday.com.my

Despite aspirations to be smoke-free, Malaysia struggles with high smoking rates and lacks clear harm reduction strategies, unlike successful models like Sweden and the UK. Embracing proven harm reduction tools, such as vaping, could help Malaysia combat smoking-related deaths and health costs. By focusing on science-based and compassionate approaches, policymakers can lead the country towards a healthier, smoke-free future. It's crucial to shift the narrative around alternatives like vaping, enforce regulations, educate the public, and support smokers in quitting. Following successful international examples, Malaysia can make progress in reducing smoking prevalence and improving public health outcomes.

November 03, 2025 by theguardian.com

The Maldives has introduced a unique smoking ban for individuals born after January 2007, making it the only country with such a generational prohibition on tobacco. The measure took effect on 1 November to safeguard public health and create a tobacco-free generation. The ban encompasses all tobacco products and applies to residents and visitors alike. Violators face fines, with retailers required to verify age before selling. The Maldives also prohibits e-cigarettes and vaping products. In comparison, the UK is still considering a similar ban, while New Zealand repealed theirs just under a year after its introduction in November 2023.

October 31, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Philip Morris got permission to set up a nicotine pouch factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj with a $5.8 million investment. The annual production target is 536.3 million units. Anti-tobacco groups oppose the move but authorities view the pouches as non-nicotine items. While e-cigarettes are banned, these pouches are not. Regulatory checks are ongoing, with Philip Morris awaiting environmental clearance.

October 29, 2025 by asianews.network

The Thai Cabinet orders an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to regulate e-cigarettes and tackle nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The Ministry of Public Health will lead in drafting the changes following a sharp increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The amendments aim to introduce comprehensive measures to control e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.

October 28, 2025 by nationthailand.com

The Thai Cabinet has ordered an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to control e-cigarettes and combat nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The move follows a substantial increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The Health Ministry will lead the drafting of these stricter regulations, proposing extensive measures to regulate e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.

October 23, 2025 by asianews.network

Cambodia's government has imposed strict measures to ban the import, sale, and use of vapes and shishas to safeguard public health. The prohibition, driven by Prime Minister Hun Manet's order, aims to protect youth from the dangers associated with heated tobacco products. Various ministries have been instructed to enforce the ban, with penalties for violators including warnings, confiscation of devices, and suspension of commercial licenses. Educational institutions are also mandated to educate and prevent the use of such products on their premises. The goal is to curb the potential gateway effect of vaping devices to illicit drug use in the country.

October 23, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Cambodia has banned e-cigarettes and shisha pipes to protect public health and social order. Prime Minister Hun Manet issued the directive due to their popularity among youths, posing health and social threats. The ban covers import, distribution, sale, use, and possession, with strict regulations around schools, community centers, and sports facilities. Previous restrictions were in place since 2014 due to health risks, including high nicotine levels in e-cigarettes and toxins in shisha.

October 22, 2025 by focustaiwan.tw

NGOs in Taiwan condemn a tobacco company for not labeling nicotine content on heated tobacco products, leading to their removal from shelves. Despite violating the law, the company opted for a fine over compliance. Authorities are investigating why the products differed from the approved samples. A study found high nicotine levels, surpassing legal limits. NGOs call for stricter enforcement, highlighting the company's power and profit in Taiwan's tobacco market. Health authorities clarify that heated tobacco's health risks are equivalent to regular cigarettes if nicotine levels exceed 1 milligram per stick. Tests are conducted on the products to verify compliance with regulations.