Total ban on vape not the right solution, says Teresa Kok
October 17, 2025 by thevibes.com
Total ban on vape not the right solution, says Teresa Kok
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.
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
