Read articles from Asia

December 01, 2025 by india.com

President Mohamed Muizzu introduced new measures to cultivate a capable, ethical, and hardworking population in the country. Maldives has become the first country in the world to introduce a “generational ban” on smoking. From November 1, 2025, anyone born after January 1, 2007, cannot legally buy or use tobacco products. The ban also covers e-cigarettes and vaping devices, with import, sale, possession, and use prohibited. The law applies to both residents and tourists, and violations can result in fines. The government’s goal is to create a “tobacco-free generation” and protect public health.

November 28, 2025 by tuoitre.vn

The WHO is calling on Vietnam to explicitly add e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to its banned investment list. Although a nationwide ban on their production, trade, import, and use is set to take effect in 2025, the products are still widely available. WHO warns that failing to include them in the Investment Law may leave loopholes for companies to continue producing or exporting them. The organization also points to hospital data showing a significant decrease in related emergency cases after the ban, arguing this strengthens the case for stricter legal measures.

November 28, 2025 by trend.az

Uzbekistan has criminalized the circulation of electronic cigarettes and related products under recent amendments to the Law. Offenders face fines, corrective labor, restriction of liberty, or imprisonment. Those reporting violations are exempt from liability. The draft law on this matter was approved by the Senate in April.

November 28, 2025 by caspianpost.com

Uzbekistan's new legal amendments impose strict penalties for e-cigarettes and tobacco products. The ban includes importing, exporting, production, purchase, and storage of these items. Violators face fines or imprisonment; repeat offenses lead to harsher penalties. Reporting and surrendering banned products can prevent prosecution.

November 28, 2025 by unn.ua

Uzbekistan has recently banned vapes and e-cigarettes, with violators facing up to 5 years in prison. The law covers all operations involving these products and aims to reduce their popularity among youth. This strict ban comes after a rise in vaping among teenagers. In contrast, Milan, Italy, has enforced a ban on smoking in public areas since 2025, with fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros for offenders.

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.