Consumer group slams 900% vape tax proposal as ‘illogical and self-defeating’
October 10, 2025 by scoop.my
Consumer group slams 900% vape tax proposal as ‘illogical and self-defeating’
Samsul Kamal Ariffin critiqued Malaysia's Health Ministry proposal to raise vape liquid excise duty by 900%, considering it illogical and detrimental to public health objectives. He emphasized the importance of treating vaping as a tobacco harm reduction tool to assist smokers in quitting. Samsul warned that banning or heavily taxing vape products could lead to an increase in the black market and harm stakeholders. The Finance Ministry had initially considered a more moderate tax increase from 40 sen to 80 sen per milliliter. Samsul urged the government to regulate vaping effectively for the benefit of public health, retailers, and tax revenue.
17.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 4.9 million current smokers in Malaysia 33.60% of men are current smokers but only 0.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
