Malaysian Vape Industry Rejects Proposed Ban, Urges Regulation

Malaysia Vape Product Registration

A coalition of Malaysian vape associations, including the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) and the Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA), has strongly opposed the government’s consideration of a nationwide ban on vape sales. They argue that such a move would be a flawed policy, harming adult consumers and legitimate businesses while inadvertently strengthening the unregulated black market.

This unified response comes after Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that his ministry is studying a potential full ban on e-cigarettes, partly due to findings that vape products are being abused for the consumption of illegal drugs. However, industry leaders contend that prohibition is not a practical solution to misuse.

MVCC Secretary-General Ridhwan Rosli stated, “Let us be clear: it is not the legal industry that is responsible for any misuse of vape products. It is the illegal and unregulated market that continues to operate outside the scope of Act 852.” He warned that history shows consumers, when denied legal access, turn to the black market, exposing themselves to potentially dangerous products. He cited data showing that even when nicotine vapes were prohibited in Malaysia, usage remained significant, and state-level bans in Johor and Kelantan have not eliminated use. Similarly, Singapore’s full ban has seen vape usage increase.

Tarmizi Anuwar, country associate for the Consumer Choice Centre (CCC), echoed this, stating, “A ban will not eliminate demand, it will just eliminate safe access.” He emphasized that many Malaysians use vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and that taking this option away could push them back to more harmful combustible tobacco, a concern supported by a 2021 global meta-analysis. “Prohibition has never been a successful public health strategy. What adult consumers need are clear rules, product standards, and responsible retail access,” Tarmizi said.

The industry leaders collectively urged the government to engage directly with legal industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions. They argue that the vape industry is a significant part of the local economy, valued at RM3.48 billion in 2023 and employing over 31,500 Malaysians. MRECA President Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas highlighted that many members have invested in compliance under the existing Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). They believe the focus should be on stricter enforcement against illegal sellers and online monitoring, not on dismantling a legitimate and regulated retail ecosystem.

Matthew Ma
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