Malaysia’s federal government will ban vape and e-cigarette sales in phases, beginning with open-system devices before expanding nationwide.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the staged prohibition on 10 Sep 2025. The ban starts with open-system vape devices and will gradually cover all vaping products.
Open-System Devices Face First Restrictions
The ministry targets open-system vape devices initially due to tampering risks and high rates of illegal substances. About 80% of confiscated vape products contained banned substances like methamphetamine and cannabinoids.
More than 70% of both closed and open-system devices tested in early 2025 held illegal substances.
Singapore faces similar issues with etomidate-laced products called kpods. This video explains more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTuxc-uXqW4
Legal Structure and Schedule
The ban operates under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), effective from 1 Oct 2024. Dzulkefly submitted a preliminary proposal to Cabinet on 22 Aug 2025. He will present a Cabinet memorandum on the vaping ban by year-end.
“It is no longer a question of if we ban, but when we ban,” Dzulkefly told the Dewan Rakyat during the ministry’s 13th Malaysia Plan debate.
Six states already banned vape sales independently. Johor and Kelantan prohibited sales in 2016 and 2015. Kedah, Terengganu, Perlis, and Pahang stopped issuing or renewing vape sales licenses.
Perak plans to block sales licenses from Oct 2025.
Nationwide Enforcement Begins
The ministry launched “Operasi Selamat PaPa (paru-paru)” on 1 Aug 2025. This nationwide operation targets illegal vape sales through multiple agencies.
The campaign involves the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Royal Malaysian Police, Customs Department, local authorities, and civil society groups.
Authorities revoke licenses from premises selling illicit vape products.
Industry Pushback and Legal Issues
Vape industry groups argue prohibition could push adult users to unregulated products. “The ban won’t eliminate demand. It will simply eliminate safe access,” said Tarmizi Anuwar from the Consumer Choice Centre.
Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas warned that banning vape products would destroy the regulated retail network and increase illicit trade.
Health Issues Fuel Policy Shift
The Malaysian Medical Association requested a complete vaping and e-cigarette ban in May 2025. Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh reported nearly 20,000 student vaping cases in schools during 2024.
Anti-tobacco activist Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said Malaysia should follow Singapore, Thailand and Brunei’s vaping bans.
Step-by-Step Implementation Plan
Dzulkefly warned that sudden prohibition could expose the government to legal challenges from industry players with legitimate expectations under Act 852.
The government gazetted regulatory frameworks on 2 Feb 2024, creating legal obligations that complicate immediate prohibition.
The ministry examines legal, industry, government revenue, and licensing factors before full implementation.
