Entries by Matthew Ma

Russia’s Vape Market: Inside the Battle for Control

The landscape of nicotine consumption in Russia has been dramatically reshaped by the explosive growth of electronic cigarettes. According to data from VCIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Center) and Rosstat, the number of e-cigarette users in Russia has surged to 10.5 million people, a staggering 46-fold increase over just five years. This rapid rise, particularly […]

Brazil: Paraná Bill to Add Vaping to “No Smoking” Signs

A new bill has been introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Paraná, Brazil, that would require “No Smoking” signs across the state to be updated to explicitly include a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes). The proposal was presented by state deputy Cristina Silvestri (PP).

Penang Sets Sept 30 Deadline for New Smoking Law Compliance

Business premises owners in Penang, Malaysia, have been given until September 30th to comply with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) before full enforcement begins. State Youth, Sports, and Health Executive Councilor, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, stated that monitoring and inspections have revealed that many premises have not yet […]

,

Indonesia to Block Tobacco and Vape Ads on Social Media

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kemkomdigi) has announced it is prepared to block content related to tobacco and vape advertising on social media, acting on official complaints from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). This move aims to protect children from exposure to the promotion of tobacco and e-cigarette products.

Spain Plans to Ban Smoking and Vaping on All Terraces by 2027

Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, has expressed her full confidence that a ban on smoking on all bar and restaurant terraces will be implemented by 2027. The proposed reform to the country’s anti-smoking law will explicitly prohibit both traditional smoking and vaping in these popular outdoor hospitality areas. García emphasized that there is a broad […]

Maldives Issues MVR 127,000 in Vape-Related Fines in July

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has collected MVR 127,000 (approximately USD 8,200) in fines for various vape-related offenses during the month of July, following the implementation of a comprehensive ban. The law, which took effect on December 15, 2024, prohibits the use, import, sale, and trade of all vaping products in the country.

Alabama Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Vaping in Public Places

An Alabama lawmaker has pre-filed legislation aiming to prohibit vaping in public places across the state. Senator Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) introduced Senate Bill 9, which seeks to amend the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act by adding “electronic nicotine delivery system” to its list of prohibitions.

,

Australia’s High Tobacco Tax Fuels Black Market, NSW Cracks Down

As New South Wales (NSW) prepares to implement some of the nation’s toughest laws against the illicit tobacco trade, a broader debate is intensifying over whether Australia’s high tobacco taxes are inadvertently fueling a dangerous black market. The illicit trade has been linked to gang violence, robberies, and arson attacks, prompting a significant legislative and […]

,

Malaysia Considers Tobacco Tax Hike After 10-Year Freeze

The Malaysian government is considering a proposal to increase the tobacco tax, which has not been raised since September 2014, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, stated that the proposal aligns with the government’s commitment to public health and fiscal reform.