The Malaysian government is actively considering a nationwide ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes or vapes, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed. He announced that a special committee from the Health Ministry will formally propose the ban to address the widespread abuse of these products.
"It will come in the form of a proposal where the ministry will bring this agenda to ban vapes," Dr. Dzulkefly stated at a press conference in Parliament on Monday (July 28). He clarified that the current Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) regulates but does not prohibit vapes. A comprehensive assessment of the legal, industrial, and revenue impacts is underway, with discussions planned between the Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, Trade Ministries, and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
While welcoming moves by six states—Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang—to stop issuing or renewing vape sales licenses, Dr. Dzulkefly noted these actions are limited and do not cover all premises, such as grocery stores. In the meantime, the ministry is strictly enforcing Act 852. He revealed that since the act's enforcement began last October, the number of registered smoking product brands has plummeted from over 3,200 to just 390.
Up until June 30, enforcement operations have resulted in 78,424 notices issued, including 2,619 to underage smokers. The ministry has also engaged over 44,000 secondary school students in smoking cessation intervention programs. To further combat tobacco-related illnesses, Dr. Dzulkefly announced the launch of new health campaigns, "Selamat PaPa" (save the lungs) and "Ops Selamatkan MaMa" (for passive smoking), starting August 1st.
