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.
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April 24, 2025 by freemalaysiatoday.com
Terengganu to enforce ban on e-cigarettes, vapes from Aug 1
Terengganu will ban the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes at businesses starting August 1, with an advertising ban as well. The state government's decision aims to protect public health, especially among the youth. Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, the executive councillor, announced the ban after a meeting. A three-month grace period until July 31 will precede the full enforcement, starting August 1.
April 24, 2025 by thestar.com.my
Terengganu enforces ban on e-cigarettes, vapes starting Aug 1
Terengganu will ban e-cigarettes and vapes sales starting August 1, following a state government decision on April 23. The ban includes advertising and revoking business licenses, with penalties for non-compliance. The government aims to protect public health, especially of the youth, from the negative effects of these products. Further measures will be taken to enforce the ban effectively, including penalties for violators and no acceptance of sponsorship from vape producers. Additionally, support will be provided to employees in the vape industry for transitioning to other sustainable job opportunities through entrepreneurship courses.
February 07, 2025 by scmp.com
Malaysia Has to Clear the Air on Vaping Laws
Malaysia’s government appears shrouded in a haze of indecision on vaping, as its leaders vacillate between wanting to stamp out potential health risks to the nation’s youths and keeping young entrepreneurs in business. Without a clear and unified strategy, the country risks rising youth addiction, mounting healthcare costs and an expanding underground market for e-cigarettes.
February 05, 2025 by thestar.com.my
Regulation Key to Curbing Underage Vape Use, Says Industry Group
Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Manas said the industry believes that vape products should not be used by any individual below the age of 18. He said vape products should only be used by adults, especially cigarette smokers who are seeking to quit smoking. Vape products have been proven in many countries to be less harmful compared to cigarettes and effective to help cigarette smokers quit smoking.
November 21, 2024 by scmp.com
Malaysia’s Terengganu to ban e-cigarettes as concerns mount over youth vaping
The vape industry in Malaysia faces challenges as Terengganu bans e-cigarette sales due to health concerns and youth marketing. Vape shops offering unique flavors like teh tarik have become popular, attracting former smokers. The health ministry warns of potential costs to treat vape-related lung injuries. Following the ban in Terengganu, the state government refuses to renew licenses for vape sales. Criticism arises after endorsing a vape-sponsored event. The ban reflects growing public health worries and youth protection.
November 18, 2024 by thestar.com.my
Ban the use of vape completely, says Pahang Sultan
The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has suggested a complete ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes. His Majesty stated that the recommendation was driven by concerns over the rising drug abuse in Pahang, particularly among the youth, according to statistics from the National Anti-Drug Agency. As reported by Sinar Harian, Sultan Abdullah noted that one of the primary factors leading young people into drug addiction, both directly and indirectly, is the use of vapes. "These vape devices are harmful to health. I will express to the government that vaping should be banned completely. There is no need for further consideration, not only in Malaysia but globally," His Majesty declared.
October 24, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Urgent Need for Harm Reduction Policies
The Malaysian Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR) held a conference on tobacco harm reduction in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing the need for tailored policies and collaboration to reduce smoking rates. Experts endorsed reduced-risk products and highlighted New Zealand's success in lowering smoking rates. The conference addressed concerns about youth access to nicotine products and called for evidence-based regulations. MSHR and the Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates urged policymakers to implement harm reduction strategies and educate the public on the benefits of such approaches. Collaboration with governments and stakeholders was emphasized to improve public health outcomes in the region.
September 26, 2024 by nst.com.my
CAP urges govt to reject vape industry memorandum
The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to firmly reject a memorandum from five associations, urging amendments to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) in favour of the vape industry. The five associations represented over 2,000 vape traders. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said while the vape industry claimed to be a significant revenue generator, this assertion paled in comparison to the enormous medical costs shouldered by taxpayers.
September 09, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
Better access to vapes could save 880,000 lives in Malaysia and Uzbekistan, new report reveals
A new report suggests that better access to vapes and nicotine alternatives could save around 880,000 lives in Malaysia and Uzbekistan by 2060. Despite heavy regulations, smoking rates are projected to increase in both countries. The World Health Organisation predicts a rise in smoking-related deaths. Implementing tobacco harm reduction strategies, including promoting safer alternatives, could drastically reduce these numbers. Successful examples from countries like Sweden and Japan highlight the effectiveness of such measures. The report urges Malaysian and Uzbek governments to prioritize harm reduction strategies to curb smoking rates and save lives.
August 30, 2024 by smokefreesweden.org
Tobacco Harm Reduction Policies Would Save 416,000 Malaysian Lives, Says New Report
Adoption of tobacco harm reduction (THR) measures, including greater access to nicotine alternatives such as e-cigarettes, would help to save 416,000 lives in Malaysia, according to major new research. The WHO projects that smoking prevalence in Malaysia will increase, from 29.7% in 2020 to 30% in 2025, and 18,000 lives will be lost annually by 2060.