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August 25, 2025 by scandasia.com

Sweden's successful move towards becoming smoke-free is influencing Asia, particularly the Philippines, where Japan Tobacco International (JTI) introduced nicotine pouches. With only 5.4% daily smokers in Sweden, the country attributes this to strict regulations and alternative options. JTI's Nordic Spirit, produced in Sweden, has gained popularity in the Philippines. JTI focuses on former smokers in Sweden, with positive results. The Philippines' familiarity with oral products made Nordic Spirit well-received. JTI tailored the product for the local market with affordable pricing. This initiative competes with other similar products, signaling a potential shift in global tobacco trends and a new direction for Asian markets.

August 21, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad is preparing a report for the Cabinet on the timing and process of imposing a potential vape ban to prevent legal challenges. The government currently refrains from banning vapes and e-cigarettes to avoid complications after legally registering and regulating the industry under Act 852. Dzulkefly noted that a sudden ban could lead to legal issues due to the expectation set by the existing regulations. While considering a complete ban, factors like legal implications, enforcement, and public health are being evaluated. Some states have already prohibited vape sales.

August 19, 2025 by filtermag.org

India's vape ban has lasted six years, despite over 1 million smoking-related deaths yearly. Doctors from AIIMS advocate for a reevaluation, suggesting e-cigarettes aid cessation. They challenge the ban despite AIIMS' support. With high tobacco use, advocates call for harm reduction policies like those in the UK. The ban failed, leading to a booming illicit market. Public health experts urge a review for a safer approach. Doctors witness smoking's harm daily, supporting a reevaluation for better public health. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based policies to combat smoking's devastating impact.

August 18, 2025 by gfn.tv

In India, hundreds of millions of tobacco users are kept in the dark about safer nicotine products, while the government bans popular alternatives like vaping and stays silent on even basic NRTs. Shot on location at GFN 2025 in Warsaw, Poland, Jagannath Sarangapani exposes how prohibition and the absence of relative risk messaging have shaped the country’s tobacco control strategy.

August 11, 2025 by vaping360.com

Recent comments from Trump administration health officials have added to confusion over President Trump’s policy on vaping and nicotine. While Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week promised “fast-tracked approvals" of vaping products, his subordinate leading the FDA has shown no apparent interest in carrying out such a plan, and urged that the FDA’s war against “illegal products” be expanded to vape shops.

July 30, 2025 by panaynews.net

The Department of Health in Western Visayas is escalating efforts to combat the growing use of e-cigarettes among youths, collaborating with schools and local governments to enforce anti-smoking and anti-vaping measures. They are alarmed by the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes and aggressive marketing targeting young people. Both smoking and vaping pose health risks, including chronic lung problems and addiction. Efforts involve strict enforcement of national laws and initiatives like the MPOWER strategy. DOH-6 also leads the Tobacco Control Leadership program to empower local leaders. Recognizing municipalities with smoke-free environments, they emphasize the importance of collective action from schools, communities, and government for effective tobacco control.

July 28, 2025 by thestar.com.my

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is considering a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vapes to combat their misuse. He mentioned a proposal to ban these products, emphasizing the need for careful legal and regulatory considerations. The Health Ministry has conducted numerous operations and interventions to regulate smoking and vaping products, with some states already implementing restrictions. A new programme for smoking cessation will be launched in August. The Minister highlighted the importance of this initiative in preventing lung cancer cases. Several states have taken steps to restrict the sale of vape products.

July 28, 2025 by scoop.my

The Health Minister is considering a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vaping to address misuse. A special committee is preparing a proposal, despite the current law not covering vaping restrictions. Deliberations involve legal, economic, and regulatory aspects. Discussions with various government bodies are ongoing, aligning with state decisions to restrict vape sales. Enforcement efforts under Act 852 include operations, notices, registration, and intervention programs for students. The Ministry has reduced the number of vape brands and variants through regulation. Over 36,000 students have participated in smoking cessation programs, supported by numerous addiction centers and clinics across the country.

July 28, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com

The health ministry is considering a total ban on vape and electronic cigarettes, pending careful planning and coordination with key agencies. A special committee is assessing regulatory measures and potential impacts, prioritizing public health. The ministry will collaborate with various authorities to refine the proposed approach before deciding on implementing the ban. Any ban will be evidence-based and guided by the committee's recommendations.

July 28, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com

The health ministry is considering a total ban on vape and electronic cigarettes, pending careful planning and coordination with key agencies. A special committee is assessing regulatory measures and potential impacts, prioritizing public health. The ministry will collaborate with various authorities to refine the proposed approach before deciding on implementing the ban. Any ban will be evidence-based and guided by the committee's recommendations.