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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

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.

May 08, 2025 by theedgemalaysia.com

E-cigarette use among youth on the rise

The prevalence of e-cigarette and HTP use is now close to smoking incidence in Malaysia, according to a regional study conducted by Singapore-based consumer insights firm Milieu Insight.

April 28, 2025 by thestar.com.my

BAT to stop selling vape products from 3Q25

British American Tobacco (M) Bhd will discontinue its VUSE e-cigarette range in Malaysia by the third quarter of 2025 to comply with new regulations under Act 852, effective from Oct 1, 2025. The company anticipates minimal financial impact for the year ending Dec 31, 2025. BAT will assess its VUSE products commercially and prioritize combustible value growth while managing operational risks.