Malaysia’s renewed push to ban vapes and electronic cigarettes entirely—despite acknowledging it had “missed the boat” on earlier action—could face significant hurdles, according to analysts and industry stakeholders.
In response to recent comments from the country’s health minister about reconsidering a nationwide ban, analysts told CNA that a lack of political will and strong opposition from various sectors could pose major obstacles.
“While it is clear that there are many public health benefits from a ban on vapes and the necessity for it is clear, the lack of political will prevents it from happening,” said Azrul Mohd Khalib, chief executive of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, a Kuala Lumpur-based research and advocacy organization.
He pointed to potentially strong opposition from industry players, economists, the public, and even within the government, as Malaysia’s vape and e-cigarette sector contributes to tax revenue, job creation, and foreign trade.
Instead of pursuing a total ban, some stakeholders argue that Malaysia should focus on enforcing Act 852, which regulates the sale of vapes, among other measures. Others caution that a ban could fuel the growth of an unregulated black market for vaping products.
Over the weekend, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed openness to revisiting a vape ban, even if it comes later than ideal.
“We must be agile and robust. Nothing is cast in stone,” Dzulkefly said in a statement to Malaysiakini.
His remarks came in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, who had stated that banning vapes would be challenging for the government.
Dzulkefly acknowledged that despite discussions as early as 2015 about prohibiting vaping, Malaysia had “missed the boat” on imposing total restrictions, unlike Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei, media reports.
Azrul agreed, noting that Malaysia’s delay in enacting a ban allowed the vape industry to take root, normalizing its use in society while also making it a significant economic contributor.
Dzulkefly’s comments come just months after the Health Ministry implemented the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) on October 1 last year. The law regulates the sale, packaging, and labeling of tobacco products, smoking devices, and electronic cigarettes in Malaysia.
The next phase goes into effect on April 1, with requirements including mandatory product registration and a ban on the point-of-sale display of smoking products at restaurants and retail stores, followed by compliance with packaging and labelling regulations by October.
