Top Takeaways:

• Malaysia’s Health Ministry Moves Toward Vape Ban: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will present an expert committee’s recommendation to the Cabinet for a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes once the study is completed.
• Impact of Act 852 Enforcement: The enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) has led to a significant reduction in the number of smoking product variants in the market, decreasing from 6,824 before the Act’s enactment to 2,794 in June, a 59% reduction.
• State-Level Actions Aligning with Federal Direction: Several states, including Terengganu, Perlis, and Johor, have already implemented bans on e-cigarette sales. Selangor is also in the final stages of preparing a proposal to prohibit the sale and use of e-cigarettes in the state.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry is set to present an expert committee’s recommendation to the Cabinet for a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, signaling a significant step in the country’s tobacco control efforts.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed the government’s commitment to this initiative, stating, “We are committed to this (vape ban); it is no longer a matter of ‘if’. I will present it to the Cabinet for deliberation.”

The proposed ban follows the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which has already shown results. The number of nicotine product variants in the market has decreased from 6,824 before the Act’s enactment to 2,794 in June, a reduction of 59%.

Act 852, effective since October 2024, regulates all smoking products, including e-cigarettes, with a focus on protecting minors, students, and children from exposure to vaping. The Act prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to individuals under 18 and mandates that nicotine-containing e-liquids be registered with the Drug Control Authority.

Several states have already taken action in line with the federal government’s direction. Terengganu and Perlis have implemented bans on e-cigarette sales, while Johor has prohibited vape sales and licensing since 2016. Selangor is in the final stages of preparing a proposal to prohibit the sale and use of e-cigarettes in the state.

The proposed nationwide ban has garnered support from public health advocates who view it as a necessary measure to protect youth and reduce the prevalence of smoking. However, industry groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact on businesses and the risk of driving the market underground.