Malaysia: Penang Adopts Phased Vape Regulation to Avoid Full Ban

The Malaysian state of Penang will follow the federal government’s strategy of implementing vape regulations in stages, rather than imposing an immediate total ban, to avoid driving demand into an uncontrolled black market. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi stated that Penang will adhere to the Health Ministry’s phased enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

“It’ll be risky to put an immediate stop to vape sales. If banned immediately, it will then push all demand to the black market,” Gooi said, expressing concern that other issues could subsequently arise. He highlighted that a major current challenge is the prevalence of vapes laced with synthetic drugs, such as “Kpods” containing the anesthetic agent etomidate, which would be even more difficult to control if sales were pushed underground.

The Act, enacted on February 2, 2024, provides for comprehensive regulation of tobacco and vaping products, including registration, sale, packaging, and labeling, with full enforcement expected to begin on October 1st of this year. Gooi noted that the state Health Department has been active in enforcement, checking over 15,800 premises and issuing nearly 15,000 notices with compounds totaling over RM2.3 million between August 2023 and July 2025. Local vape retailers have expressed a need for clear, consistent guidelines to ensure they can operate their businesses in compliance with the evolving regulations.

• News source: Penang adopts phased vape ban to curb black market demand

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Matthew Ma

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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.

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