Proposed restrictions on vaping to be delivered to the government cabinet by the advisory committee
Malaysia Pushes Forward with Vape Ban to Protect Public Health
Malaysia is taking decisive steps towards a comprehensive ban on vaping products, with a particular focus on open-system vape devices. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced plans to outlaw the sale and use of electronic cigarettes (vapes), citing significant health concerns and the prevalence of illicit substances in these products.
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), effective since October 1, 2024, provides the legal framework to regulate and restrict smoking products, including e-cigarettes. Enforcement under this Act has already reduced the availability of smoking variants by nearly 60%.
The Health Ministry is prioritizing a ban targeting open-system vape products due to their refillable and modifiable nature, making them prone to tampering and contamination with banned substances such as methamphetamine and cannabinoids.
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, has indicated that the ban is imminent and is no longer a question of "if" but "when." He plans to submit an expert committee’s recommendation to the Cabinet, following comprehensive studies and inter-ministerial reviews.
Despite strong health-based government moves, vape industry groups oppose a total ban, warning it may push consumers to illegal markets where product safety and regulations are absent. The two main industry groups advocate for regulation rather than prohibition to protect jobs and maintain economic contributions exceeding $800 million annually.
Minister Dzulkefly made these statements after officiating the Sihat Milik Semua carnival at Dewan 2020 in Kangar, reiterating his commitment to the vape ban. The exact timeline for the implementation of the ban is yet to be announced, awaiting final Cabinet approval after expert consultation.
- The imminent vape ban in Malaysia, initiated by the Ministry of Health, aims to protect public health and mitigate the prevalence of illicit substances, particularly in open-system vape devices.
- In response to the proposed vape ban, vape industry groups warn that total prohibition may drive consumers towards illegal markets, causing a void in product safety regulations and economic loss exceeding $800 million annually.
