Malaysia Agrees to Hike Vape Tax Ahead of Potential Full Ban
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) has agreed to raise taxes and set a higher floor price for all vape products, mirroring measures used for traditional cigarettes, in an effort to curb their use, especially among youth. Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni confirmed in the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry had previously proposed increasing the excise duty on vape products tenfold, from 40 sen to RM4 per milliliter, and will re-propose this to the Ministry of Finance.
This move comes as KKM also plans to submit a Cabinet memorandum this year for a complete ban on the sale and use of electronic cigarettes or vapes. Lukanisman acknowledged the widespread calls for a full ban from parents, media, and lawmakers. He referenced the ministry’s previous attempt to enact the Generational End Game (GEG) policy, which faced divided opinions among MPs, leading to the current Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
For now, the ministry is using Act 852 for stricter enforcement. The push for a full ban is underscored by the significant healthcare costs associated with vaping. Lukanisman revealed that an estimated RM244.8 million has already been spent treating E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). He warned that these costs could exceed RM300-400 million by 2030 if current trends continue, stating it is better to eliminate the harm from both cigarettes and vapes rather than continue to “war” with them.
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