Malaysia’s Ministry of Health recently announced in Parliament that the government is assessing the possibility of a full ban on the sale and use of vapes. This proposal has sparked concern and discussion among industry players. The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) and the Malaysian Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) jointly voiced their opposition, warning that a total ban may not effectively address vape usage issues and could instead fuel the growth of an illicit market and pose heightened public health risks.
Total Ban Ineffective in Reducing Vape Usage
MVCC Secretary-General Ridhwan Rosli highlighted that past experiences from various regions show that outright bans on vapes rarely lead to reduced usage. For instance, the states of Johor and Kelantan have prohibited the sale of nicotine-containing vapes since 2015, yet both states still have significant user bases—over 150,000 and 30,000, respectively. In Singapore, where a complete ban is in effect, vape usage rose from 3.9% in 2021 to 5.2% in 2023, according to Milieu Insight. These figures suggest that prohibition alone does not effectively curb vape usage.
“A ban doesn’t solve the root of the problem,” Ridhwan Rosli noted. “When consumers lose access to legal vape products, they often turn to unregulated, black market sources. This exposes them to products with no quality assurance and significantly higher safety risks.”
Regulation Over Ban Becomes Industry Consensus
MVCC and MRECA emphasized that Malaysia already enacted the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act in 2024, providing a legal foundation for vape regulation. Rather than circumventing this framework with a sweeping ban, the associations urged the government to focus on improving enforcement efficiency and transparency within the existing regulatory system.
Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas, President of MRECA, pointed out that some companies have submitted all required documentation for regulatory approval, yet continue to face long delays. “We firmly support and are fully willing to cooperate with the government in strengthening enforcement,” said Datuk Adzwan. “But this must be based on a transparent, professional, and predictable regulatory framework—not blanket restrictions that penalize compliant operators.”
Vape Illicit Market Risks and Industry Impact
According to industry data, Malaysia’s vape market is worth approximately RM 3.48 billion (around USD 800 million), supporting over 31,500 jobs and involving about 10,000 retail outlets, many run by local entrepreneurs.
The associations warned that a full ban would primarily hurt legitimate businesses and industry workers, while the illicit vape market would likely expand, bringing greater regulatory and public safety challenges.
Expert Insights: Global Practices Show Need for Coordinated Policy
Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a public health expert from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, noted that international vape regulation strategies vary widely. For instance, countries like the UK and the Philippines allow vape sales under specific conditions and incorporate them into smoking cessation programs. In contrast, Thailand prohibits vapes but still allows the sale of traditional cigarettes, creating a clear policy inconsistency—banning the less harmful product while permitting continued access to conventional tobacco.
Conclusion: Policy Direction Will Shape Industry’s Future—Enforcement Is Key
Malaysia’s ongoing policy evaluation will have a significant impact on the future landscape of the local vape industry. Current data and practical outcomes are increasingly questioning the effectiveness of blanket bans. Moving forward, the central focus of policy debate should shift toward improving regulatory enforcement, promoting market standardization, and curbing illicit trade.
As a compliant vape brand deeply rooted in the Malaysian market, SP2S continues to closely monitor local policy developments and market dynamics. We firmly believe that under a science-based regulatory framework, legal and safe products are essential to meeting the needs of adult consumers, safeguarding public health, and fostering sustainable industry growth. SP2S has consistently provided safe and compliant vape experiences across major Malaysian cities. We will continue to adhere strictly to local regulations and prioritize consumer rights. Going forward, SP2S will regularly share policy updates and industry insights to help users and professionals stay informed.
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