Smoking in Malaysia
In Malaysia, cigarettes are legally sold, purchased, 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 minimum age to buy cigarettes is 18 years. The total taxation rate applied to cigarettes is 51.6% including a specific excise rate of 45.98%. Available data indicate that smoking remains prevalent in Malaysia with around 4.9 million current smokers recorded in 2024, representing an overall adults current smoking prevalence of 17.9%, 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 that year, 15.03% among males and 4.44% among females.
Read articles from Malaysia
July 28, 2025 by thestar.com.my
Putrajaya considering nationwide vape ban, says Health Minister
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
Govt mulls nationwide vape ban amid growing abuse concerns: Dzulkefly
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
Health ministry mulls total vape ban
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
Health ministry mulls total vape ban
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 23, 2025 by businesstoday.com.my
We Must Act Now: Ban E-Cigarettes To Protect Our Children And Youth
Teenagers in Malaysia are increasingly addicted to e-cigarettes, leading to a public health crisis. The country implemented stricter regulations in 2024 to combat this issue, including age restrictions and bans on advertising. However, challenges persist with the industry exploiting loopholes and selling dangerous products. E-cigarettes contain toxic substances, have caused injuries, and are increasingly laced with illicit drugs. Malaysia must take decisive action to address this alarming trend. Other countries have banned e-cigarettes to protect public health, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures. Urgent action is essential to prevent further harm to young people and the community.
July 04, 2025 by thevibes.com
Strengthen borders, ban vape nationwide, urges Sultan Abdullah
Sultan of Pahang urges Malaysia to strengthen borders against drug trafficking and supports a nationwide ban on vaping. Emphasizing the need for stricter controls at entry points, he highlighted the key role of borders in curbing drug smuggling. Concerned about rising drug abuse among youths, he called for enhanced enforcement measures. The Sultan also backed Pahang's decision to ban vaping, citing health risks, with plans to formalize the ban through legislation. Noting drug smuggling through fishing vessels in east coast states, he emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue. The Pahang State Government had previously announced the vape ban based on a fatwa.
June 27, 2025 by galencentre.org
WHO Defends Malaysia’s Anti-Tobacco Award Despite Nicotine Vape Manufacturing Licence
WHO defended awarding Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad despite Malaysia granting a nicotine vape license, citing achievements up to a certain point. The award acknowledged efforts in tobacco control legislation and commitments. The WHO highlighted the importance of protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interference and monitoring new tobacco products like vapes. Malaysia achieved best-practice levels in four out of six WHO MPOWER tobacco control measures. These measures include monitoring tobacco use, protecting from smoke, warning about dangers, and raising taxes on tobacco. Malaysia reached moderate levels in offering help to quit and enforcing bans on tobacco advertising. Other countries are close to full MPOWER package implementation.
June 03, 2025 by thestar.com.my
E-cigarette liquids legal but strictly regulated, says Health Ministry
E-cigarette liquids in Malaysia are regulated under Act 852 by multiple government agencies, including MITI and the Health Ministry. A recent statement clarified that manufacturing licenses for these liquids fall under MITI, while the Health Ministry monitors contents and emissions to protect public health. The Customs Department controls raw material imports, and SIRIM tests safety standards. Regulations define e-cigarette liquid as a smoking substance including nicotine and glycols. Stringent oversight aims to uphold public health and safety in accordance with Madani values.
June 02, 2025 by galencentre.org
MOH Confirms Nicotine Manufacturing Licence For US-Based Vape Company
The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed a foreign vape company received a nicotine manufacturing license from MIDA. The Act 852 regulates e-cigarette import, manufacture, and distribution. The company, Ispire Technology Inc., was granted an interim manufacturing license under MITI and MIDA. MOH emphasized Act 852's strict regulation of e-cigarette liquids and smoking products. The MOH aims to ensure public health and safety in line with Madani values. Malaysia aims to be smoke-free by 2040. Ispire manufactures cannabis vaporizers but the MOH did not address this. The MOH did not disclose if Ispire had authorization to produce cannabis-related products.
May 12, 2025 by nst.com.my
No watchdog, more risk: Vape misuse soars amid regulatory void
The lack of a regulatory body in Malaysia to oversee vape product quality has contributed to their misuse, including drug consumption. Ridhwan Rosli of the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce highlighted that without proper oversight, there’s no way to ensure product safety, leading to cases where vapes are used for illicit drug use.