Tag Archive for: Malaysia

Malaysian Groups Urge Joint Crackdown on Online Vape Sales

Anti-tobacco advocates and even vape industry groups in Malaysia are calling for a well-coordinated, multi-agency effort to effectively crack down on the open online sale of vapes and e-liquids. This unified demand comes as these products continue to be easily accessible online, despite prohibitions under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852).

Dr. M. Murallitharan, president of the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, stated that tackling the issue cannot rest solely with the Health Ministry. He urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and other authorities to take a “strong policing stance,” warning that without strict enforcement, Act 852 would remain “just for optics.” NV Subbarow of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) echoed this, questioning why MCMC can act swiftly against provocative online statements but not against online vape sellers.

Interestingly, vape industry groups also support the ban on online sales due to the risk of underage access. Samsul Kamal Arrifin, president of the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (MOVE), said, “We are completely against this (online sales) as it makes the product accessible to minors. These websites don’t have any age verification.” He urged MCMC to block these websites and called for sales to be restricted to specialized vape shops with trained staff, rather than general convenience stores. Zain Azrul, secretary of the Malaysia E-Vaporisers and Tobacco Alternative Association, agreed, stating all sales should occur in licensed physical shops with proper in-person age verification to protect public health and the integrity of licensed businesses.

Malaysian Health Minister: Vape Ban is No Longer an ‘If’

The Malaysian Health Ministry is committed to a ban on electronic cigarettes or vapes and will present an expert committee’s recommendation to the Cabinet once a comprehensive study is complete, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed. “We are committed to this (vape ban); it is no longer a matter of ‘if’,” he stated firmly.

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Penang Sets Sept 30 Deadline for New Smoking Law Compliance

Business premises owners in Penang, Malaysia, have been given until September 30th to comply with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) before full enforcement begins. State Youth, Sports, and Health Executive Councilor, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, stated that monitoring and inspections have revealed that many premises have not yet met the new requirements.

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Malaysia Considers Tobacco Tax Hike After 10-Year Freeze

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The Malaysian government is considering a proposal to increase the tobacco tax, which has not been raised since September 2014, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, stated that the proposal aligns with the government’s commitment to public health and fiscal reform.

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Malaysia Negeri Sembilan Backs Vape Ban, Awaits Clear Laws

The Negeri Sembilan state government fully supports a ban on the sale and use of vapes but is awaiting clear and firm federal regulations before enforcing it, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He emphasized that without specific laws, any prohibition would be ineffective, as sales and usage could continue unchecked.

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Malaysia Debates Vape Tax vs. Total Ban

A recent announcement under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to potentially expand pro-health taxes to include vape products has sparked confusion and concern among anti-smoking advocates. They are now demanding clarity from the government on whether its ultimate goal is to regulate and tax vapes or to implement a complete ban on their sale and use.

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Malaysia to Impose “Pro-Health Tax” on Vape and Tobacco Products

Malaysia will expand its “pro-health tax” to include all tobacco and vape products, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced. The tax, previously only imposed on sugary beverages, is being extended as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

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Malaysian Vape Industry Rejects Proposed Ban, Urges Regulation

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.

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Malaysia’s Health Ministry Considering Total Ban on Vapes

The Malaysian Ministry of Health is considering a total ban on the sale and use of vapes and electronic cigarettes, according to Health Minister Dzukelfy Ahmad. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he stated that any such move would require careful planning, coordination with key agencies, and a thorough study of its potential impacts.

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Malaysian Melaka Health Dept. Drafting Vape Ban Proposal

The Melaka state health department is preparing a proposal to ban the manufacturing and sale of e-cigarettes (vapes) within the state. According to State Health, Human Resources, and Unity Committee Chairman Ngwe Hee Sem, the proposal will be presented to the state executive council for a final decision later this year.

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