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September 15, 2025 by straitstimes.com

Over 15,000 vapes and components were seized at land crossings in June and July. Johor authorities warn Malaysians against smuggling vapes into Singapore due to strict laws in both countries. Syndicates use social media to sell vapes and entice locals, especially youth, with large sums of money. The Johor government supports a nationwide vape ban to empower enforcement agencies. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad plans to present a Cabinet Memorandum on the ban by year-end. Recent seizures include 7,400 vape products at Woodlands Checkpoint and 7,680 vape pods at the Second Link crossing. Authorities urge vigilance and highlight the serious consequences of breaking the law in Singapore.

September 12, 2025 by inquirer.net

International experts, including from the Philippines, are urging delegates to the WHO tobacco control meeting in November 2025 to back harm reduction. In a joint statement, they called on the WHO FCTC to fully integrate harm reduction into tobacco control, stressing that “combustion kills, not nicotine.” The appeal was made during a September 3 briefing in Makati City, organized by the Consumer Choice Center.

September 08, 2025 by thesun.my

The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association criticizes the Health Parliament Special Select Committee's biased report recommending a complete e-cigarette ban without input from stakeholders. MRECA stresses the importance of consulting industry members, including manufacturers and consumers, before making allegations. They advocate for transparent regulations based on evidence and call for fair consultation processes to prevent biased recommendations. MRECA emphasizes the need for comprehensive reviews based on factual data to avoid unjustly targeting the vape industry. Adzwan Ab Manas urges inclusive decision-making to maintain credibility and ensure industry involvement in public health solutions.

September 02, 2025 by arabianbusiness.com

Nicotine pouches, recently legalized in the UAE, offer a "smoke-free" alternative but still pose addiction risks, cautioned by experts. The Ministry of Industry authorized their sale under strict regulations to reduce health risks. Although pouches decrease respiratory issues linked to smoking, they can impact cardiovascular health. While helpful in transitioning from cigarettes, doctors advise they are not a complete solution and stress the importance of proper usage and monitoring. Concerns include potential appeal to youth and lack of long-term safety studies. Regulations aim to ensure quality and safety, emphasizing the need for structured quitting plans. The effectiveness of nicotine pouches in reducing smoking prevalence in the UAE remains to be seen.

August 25, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com

PSM criticizes the Malaysian government's plan to ban vaping, calling it an overreach in personal habits. The chairman stresses that while vaping is harmful, criminalizing it is not the solution and suggests regulating it instead. He warns that prohibition can lead to a black market and hinder health monitoring. Comparisons are made to bans on alcohol and other unhealthy habits. The former MP advises against coercive legislation and warns of potential negative societal impacts akin to Orwell's "1984." Despite state actions, the government delays a nationwide ban to avoid legal repercussions from the vape industry.

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.