Smoking in Malaysia
In Malaysia, cigarettes are legally sold, smoked, and imported, but it is illegal to buy them from vending machines or online. Also, health warnings on packaging are mandatory, but there are no legal restrictions on smoking in public places. The total tobacco taxation rate is 0.52. Smoking remains prevalent with around 4.9 million current smokers recorded in 2024, which corresponds to 17.9% of adults current smoking prevalence overall, 0.5% among females and 33.6% among males. In 2021, smoking-related deaths was approximately 24,100, which represented 10.75% of all deaths, 15.03% recorded among males and 4.44% among females.
Read articles from Malaysia
October 01, 2025 by channelnewsasia.com
What’s at stake for Malaysia as it eyes total ban on vapes by mid-2026?
In Kuala Lumpur, a vape shop faces closure due to Malaysia's planned vape ban by mid-2026, leading to uncertain industry regulations. Health experts advocate for controlled regulation over a complete ban, citing concerns of boosting an illicit market. Authorities are urged to enhance enforcement of existing tobacco product laws. While some warn of health risks, others propose a harm reduction approach. Public Health Ministry's comment is awaited amid industry uncertainties.
September 08, 2025 by thesun.my
MRECA calls for inclusive consultation on vape regulations
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.
August 25, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com
Rethink plan to ban vaping, says PSM chief
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 21, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com
No ban on vape for now to avoid legal issues, says health minister
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 15, 2025 by straitstimes.com
Online Vape Sales in Malaysia Thrive Despite Ban
The law in Malaysia bans the sale of vape-related products online, yet they remain widely available through Internet search engines.
August 07, 2025 by vapingpost.com
Are Pharma Influence and Policy Confusion Reigning Over the Vape Battle in Malaysia?
As Malaysia considers a nationwide vape ban, industry leaders and public health experts warn of unintended consequences, rising black markets, and threats to tobacco harm reduction (THR) efforts.
August 06, 2025 by scoop.my
It’s Not Big Tobacco, But Big Pharma That’s Behind Vape Ban Push
The push for a nationwide vape ban is allegedly being fuelled by pharmaceutical companies, claims the president of the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entity (Move), Samsul Kamal Ariffin.
August 05, 2025 by scoop.my
Vape Group: So We Followed the Rules… and Now You Want to Ban Us?
KUALA LUMPUR — The Health Ministry’s push to ban vape products while simultaneously approving them for market registration sends a contradictory and confusing signal to both the public and industry players, says Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entity (MOVE) president Samsul Kamal Ariffin.
August 05, 2025 by scoop.my
Vape Group: So We Followed the Rules… and Now You Want to Ban Us?
KUALA LUMPUR — The Health Ministry’s push to ban vape products while simultaneously approving them for market registration sends a contradictory and confusing signal to both the public and industry players, says Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entity (MOVE) president Samsul Kamal Ariffin.
July 31, 2025 by thesun.my
Vape Players Reject Malaysian Ban
A coalition of vape associations has strongly opposed the government’s move to ban vape sales, warning that such a move would harm adult consumers and drive them toward the unregulated black market.