Malaysia Smoking Products Control Act: Vape Industry Seeks Suspension

The Malaysian Health Ministry has announced that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) will take effect on October 1. The Act, which covers regulations on the registration, sale, packaging, and labelling of smoking products, as well as the prohibition of smoking in public places, will also apply to electronic cigarettes.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had previously stated in May that the ministry would fully enforce the Act in June to address the increasing use of electronic cigarettes by young people. The ministry faced criticism for not enforcing Act 852 earlier, as regulations to ban the sale of vapes to minors could not be implemented without it.

Vape Industry Leaders Seek Suspension and Consultation

Local vape industry players have called on the government to suspend and revisit the new regulations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which they believe could cripple the industry. The legislation, gazetted on February 2 this year, is set to take effect next month.

Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) president Datuk Adzwan Manas said the Health Ministry passed the new regulations at the last minute after a briefing session, leaving industry players insufficient time to prepare for the transition. The new regulations include:

Banning the display of vape products at shop counters
Reducing the maximum volume of vape liquids in disposable pods and cartridges to 3ml and 15ml for bottles
A six-month phase-out period for current stocks
A registration fee of RM5,000 for each vape product

Adzwan argued that no country has ever enforced such stringent rules for vape products and suggested a gradual reduction in e-liquid volumes every two years instead of the drastic reduction to 15ml. He also requested at least a year to phase out current stocks and proposed a registration fee between RM500 to RM900 per product, based on a recent poll conducted among vape traders.

Five associations representing over 2,000 vape traders signed a memorandum handed over to representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office. The associations are pushing for a consultation session with the Finance Ministry, helmed by the prime minister, as the vape industry is a major revenue generator for the country.

The vape industry favors displaying products behind the counter instead of the government’s proposed blanket display ban, which they believe would hurt their business. Adzwan emphasized that while the industry supports regulation, it should be implemented gradually to avoid pushing them to the brink with harsh, last-minute regulations.

News Source:
Smoking Products Control Act to take effect on Oct 1
Vape industry leaders want PM Anwar to halt new regulations and give industry more time for transition

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.