Johor, Malaysia Maintains Long-Standing Ban on Vape Sales
Decision From 2016 Holds Despite Federal Tax on E-Liquids
The state government of Johor, Malaysia, has reaffirmed its commitment to banning the sale of all vape products, including devices and e-liquids, maintaining a policy established nearly a decade ago. This stance persists despite recent federal government actions imposing excise taxes on nicotine-containing vape liquids.
Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, Chairman of Johor’s Housing and Local Government Committee, confirmed that the ban, originally implemented on January 1, 2016, remains firmly in place. He emphasized that local authorities (PBT) within Johor are not issuing any business licenses specifically for the sale of electronic cigarettes or vape products. This decision follows a decree made by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, back in 2016, which mandated the cessation of vape sales and usage throughout the state.
“Until today, the PBT in Johor consistently does not grant licenses for the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes,” Mohd Jafni stated, reinforcing the state’s position during a recent State Legislative Assembly session. He added that while the state acknowledges the federal government’s move to tax vape liquids, Johor will continue to enforce its existing ban until receiving any further official instructions at the state level.
This highlights the differing approaches within Malaysia. While the federal government, under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, regulates vaping products rather than imposing a national sales ban, it allows individual states to implement stricter policies, including sales prohibitions, through their local councils. Johor’s continued enforcement reflects its utilization of this state-level authority, prioritizing the original 2016 directive.
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