RESPONSE TO “CONFLICTING SIGNALS”
The government’s apparent change in stance against vaping comes amid what some have described as “conflicting signals”, including how the health ministry was still allegedly accepting registrations for vape products.
Some market players added that the government also recently informed them about the likelihood of a hike in the tax on vape e-liquids. Currently, the tax on vape e-liquids is 40 sen per millilitre.
To register vape e-liquids in Malaysia, companies must submit an application to the health ministry, which includes a RM5,000 (US$1,200) fee and a laboratory analysis report, among other requirements.
The devices, meanwhile, require certification from the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia – the government body that tests and verifies product compliance before market entry.
Responding to CNA’s queries on industry players’ claims about the continued registration of products, the health ministry said that the registration of smoking products is subject to the existing requirements under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, commonly referred to as Act 852.
The ministry added that until any amendments are made to the Act, companies or individuals may still apply for the registration of vape products.
Act 852 regulates the sale, packaging and labelling of tobacco products and smoking devices in Malaysia, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
The ministry told CNA that a cabinet memorandum has been prepared and will be tabled soon to seek the legal authority to halt product registration prior to the full review and implementation of a full ban on vape products.
On the proposed higher taxes, the health ministry said that the process of a full vape ban would take time to implement due to the legislative procedures involved in making “comprehensive amendments to Act 852”.
“Therefore, existing enforcement measures must be strengthened, especially in the lead-up to and during the implementation process, to ensure a smooth transition and to address potential issues, including the risk of a black market emerging,” it said.
“Regarding taxation … it is crucial to enhance control over vape accessibility, not only as preparation for the full ban but also to send a clear message about the current dangers of vape products.”
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-vape-ban-2026-kpod-public-health-crisis-ministry-5381521
