Read articles from Asia

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 In comparison, the UK is still considering a similar ban, while New Zealand repealed theirs just under a year after its introduction in November 2023.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.

October 29, 2025 by asianews.network

The Thai Cabinet orders an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to regulate e-cigarettes and tackle nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The Ministry of Public Health will lead in drafting the changes following a sharp increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The amendments aim to introduce comprehensive measures to control e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.

October 28, 2025 by nationthailand.com

The Thai Cabinet has ordered an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to control e-cigarettes and combat nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The move follows a substantial increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The Health Ministry will lead the drafting of these stricter regulations, proposing extensive measures to regulate e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.

October 23, 2025 by asianews.network

Cambodia's government has imposed strict measures to ban the import, sale, and use of vapes and shishas to safeguard public health. The prohibition, driven by Prime Minister Hun Manet's order, aims to protect youth from the dangers associated with heated tobacco products. Various ministries have been instructed to enforce the ban, with penalties for violators including warnings, confiscation of devices, and suspension of commercial licenses. Educational institutions are also mandated to educate and prevent the use of such products on their premises. The goal is to curb the potential gateway effect of vaping devices to illicit drug use in the country.

October 23, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Cambodia has banned e-cigarettes and shisha pipes to protect public health and social order. Prime Minister Hun Manet issued the directive due to their popularity among youths, posing health and social threats. The ban covers import, distribution, sale, use, and possession, with strict regulations around schools, community centers, and sports facilities. Previous restrictions were in place since 2014 due to health risks, including high nicotine levels in e-cigarettes and toxins in shisha.

October 22, 2025 by focustaiwan.tw

NGOs in Taiwan condemn a tobacco company for not labeling nicotine content on heated tobacco products, leading to their removal from shelves. Despite violating the law, the company opted for a fine over compliance. Authorities are investigating why the products differed from the approved samples. A study found high nicotine levels, surpassing legal limits. NGOs call for stricter enforcement, highlighting the company's power and profit in Taiwan's tobacco market. Health authorities clarify that heated tobacco's health risks are equivalent to regular cigarettes if nicotine levels exceed 1 milligram per stick. Tests are conducted on the products to verify compliance with regulations.

October 20, 2025 by taiwannews.com.tw

Taiwan's first legal heated tobacco products were briefly on sale but removed due to noncompliant packaging. Health risk assessments were prioritized before approval, requiring proper labeling. The Minister of Health confirmed the recall's completion, with fines for violations. Since 2023, Taiwan has banned e-cigarettes and regulated heated tobacco products, only allowing approved items after assessments. Products from the US and Japan were recently approved for sale. Critics argue that allowing flavored heated tobacco undermines the ban on additives, potentially impacting youth. E-cigarettes remain prohibited, and vaping releases nicotine differently than traditional cigarettes. Civil groups warn of the risks of flavored heated tobacco on the youth.

October 17, 2025 by thevibes.com

MP Teresa Kok questioned why there is no tax on vape products in Budget 2026 when taxes on tobacco have increased. She highlighted the growing vape industry in Malaysia and the need for regulations rather than a total ban to avoid black market activity. Kok suggested only allowing 'closed system' vapes for sale, controlled by registered companies. She emphasized that a total ban would not deter vape use but could lead to smuggling. Strict controls were recommended before considering a ban to safeguard industry operators and tax revenue. - In summary, MP Teresa Kok raised concerns about the absence of a vape tax in Budget 2026, advocating for regulation over prohibition to manage the industry effectively.

October 17, 2025 by dw.com

Tobacco consumption in Southeast Asia has declined significantly over the past two decades, aided by strong policies and public health initiatives. Despite this progress, the tobacco industry still holds significant power, and the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise. While most countries have implemented anti-smoking measures, Indonesia remains an exception with high smoking rates and minimal regulation. Additionally, the region faces challenges in tackling the growing popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth. Governments are advised to continue enforcing strict tobacco control measures to prevent a resurgence in smoking rates and address the emerging issue of vaping.