The Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA) is urging the ministry of health to reconsider the vape display ban introduced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), set to take effect on April 1, 2025.
According to MVA, the display ban not only limits consumers’ right to make informed decisions but also places unnecessary restrictions on access to crucial product information.
“The display ban for vape creates significant obstacles for adult consumers seeking to make fact-based choices about the products they use. By preventing users from browsing or viewing product options at the point of sale, the ban directly impacts consumers’ ability to access key information and data about product quality, nicotine content, and flavor profiles—all critical factors in making informed purchasing decisions,” said MVA President Khairil Azizi Khairuddin.
“Beyond the practical limitations, by forcing vape products out of sight, the ban sends a stigmatizing message, implying that vape is socially unacceptable. This could deter smokers from making the switch to vape, leaving them feeling ashamed for even considering a less harmful alternative to smoking. It is demoralizing for those who are genuinely seeking a way to quit smoking, and it further isolates them from the harm reduction support they need.”
Limiting access to accurate information via a vape product display ban not only hinders transparency but also leaves consumers in the dark.
Banning product retail displays at retail outlets goes against basic consumer rights, MVA believes.
“Informed choice is a cornerstone of consumer rights. Limiting access to accurate information via a vape product display ban not only hinders transparency but also leaves consumers in the dark, unable to get the information they need to make choices.”
To this end, MVA urges the MoH to reconsider this element of Act 852 and remove the vape display ban.
“There are many adult vape users in Malaysia who have transitioned away from smoking. Our 2023 survey found 73.7 percent of vape users in Malaysia are former smokers. In fact, 80.1 percent of respondents had switched to vaping as a means to quit smoking. These statistics share a realistic view of the use case for vape. Restricting consumer access to product information counteracts harm reduction efforts, which seek to provide smokers with less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes.”
“We are calling on the MoH to remove the vape display ban from Act 852 and ensure that consumer rights are protected. Transparency and informed decision-making are key to the success of harm reduction strategies in Malaysia,” Khairil concluded.
Malaysia’s new tobacco law will take effect Oct. 1, reports Malay Mail.
The law covers regulations related to the registration, sale, packaging and labeling of smoking products, along with restrictions on smoking in public places.
The new legislation also covers electronic cigarettes.
The law seeks to prohibit the sale and purchase of tobacco products, smoking materials and tobacco substitutes to minors, as well as the provision of any smoking-related services to those under the age of 18.
Health groups have repeatedly urged the government to expedite the enforcement of new law, especially following a controversial decision last year by former Health Minister Zaliha Mustafa to remove liquid nicotine from the poisons list.
A recent survey by the Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA), a local advocacy group for vape consumers, showed that many vapers oppose the retail display ban that is expected to be implemented.
Following the survey, MVA has raised concerns over critical elements of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
The survey, which garnered close to 500 responses, aimed at understanding consumer perspectives on the impending regulations.
The survey showed that 71.3% of respondents do not agree with the ban, citing dissatisfaction with the inability to browse through products before making a decision (39.7%) and difficulties in the purchasing process (38.3%).
The survey also uncovered that if the retail display ban occurs, consumers will likely seek illegal alternatives (47.4%) or return to smoking cigarettes (44.5%).
Only a tiny percentage (8.1%) indicated they would quit vaping altogether if faced with such restrictions.
In commenting on the findings, MVA president Khairil Azizi Khairuddin emphasized the potential dangers of pushing consumers towards unregulated products.
“The survey findings clearly show that a retail display ban is not the solution,” said Khairuddin. “Restricting consumers’ ability to see and choose legitimate products will only drive them to the black market, where the quality and safety of products are questionable.
“This is not the direction we want to go in, mainly as vaping serves as a harm-reduction tool for many who are trying to move away from smoking.”
The Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA) is voicing concerns about the potential impact of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) on the vaping community.
With Act 852 currently in its final review at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the MVA is urging lawmakers to consider the consequences of overly stringent regulations on vapers, especially ex-smokers who have quit smoking by switching to vaping.
A survey conducted by the MVA last year revealed 73.7 percent of vapers in Malaysia are former smokers. The MVA cautions the government that classifying vaping products in the same category as cigarettes under the new regulations, including strict measures like a ban on display of vape products, could drive these ex-smokers back to smoking cigarettes. This shift would undermine public health efforts to reduce smoking rates.
We urge the government to adopt a balanced approach that recognizes the harm reduction potential of vape and provide a supportive environment for vapers to stay off tobacco.
Khairil Azizi Khairuddin, president of the Malaysian Vapers Alliance emphasized the importance of separate regulations between vape and tobacco products to prevent a regression in public health outcomes.
“Harsh regulations that fail to distinguish between vaping and smoking, like banning the display of vape products, could see many vapers, who have successfully quit smoking traditional tobacco, to revert to their old habits,” Khairil Azizi Khairuddin said. “Such a shift not only jeopardize their health but also reverses nationwide progress in reducing smoking prevalence in Malaysia.”
“We urge the government to adopt a balanced approach that recognizes the harm reduction potential of vape and provide a supportive environment for vapers to stay off tobacco.”
The MVA survey also revealed that the majority of vapers (80.1 percent) switched to vape as it helped them quit smoking. The implementation of harsh regulations, that do not consider these facts, could undermine the progress of reducing smoking rates in the country.
“MVA calls on the ministry of health to ensure that the final version of Act 852 includes sensible regulations that support harm reduction and do not classify vaping products the same as cigarettes. We believe that informed and balanced regulation can protect public health while ensuring that vapers do not revert to smoking,” Khairil Azizi Khairuddin said.
E-cigarettes may not be sold in vending machines, Malaysia’s health ministry confirmed, according to a New Straits Times report.
According to the ministry, Section 10 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations for Public Health Act prohibits selling and displaying all “tobacco” products, including e-cigarettes. “Regulations regarding sales, including through vending machines, are under review and will be enforced alongside the act once approved,” the law states.
Earlier this week, the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation criticized the sale of vapes through vending machines at a Kuala Lumper mall, describing the practice as “irresponsible.”
The vending machine has been removed from the premises after an inspection by health ministry officials.
The ministry has begun briefing authorities nationwide on the prohibitions under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations for Public Health Act.
A public health advocate was shocked by the Malaysian government’s decision to retain the tax revenue from vape products collected over the last four years in the Federal Consolidated Fund despite a previous pledge to utilize it for health-related initiatives.
“Government and non-governmental organizations working in public health are going to need all the additional resources that they can get to deal with the consequences of unrestricted and unprohibited marketing and sales of disposable nicotine vape devices, including through vending machines,” a release from the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy states.
The group has opposed the move to de-classify nicotine in vape products as a poison so that the government could tax its sale. According to media reports, Galen Centre CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib said, “The vape tax revenue would have been used for this purpose.”
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, recently said the government collected RM141.1 million ($30 million) in vape tax revenue, including RM58.55 million from nicotine-containing vape liquid products, from 2021 to 2024.
He had previously stated that half of the vape tax revenue would be earmarked for the health ministry, which was seen as appeasing criticism that the government was trying to stop stricter anti-tobacco laws in the face of protests from the powerful tobacco lobby.
“The government supports the spirit of the generational end game (GEG) and has agreed to earmark half of the revenue from this excise duty for the Ministry of Health for efforts to improve the quality of health services and for effective anti-smoking and anti-drinking campaigns,” Anwar had said during his budget speech on Feb 24 last year.
Galen Centre said the government made the promise to justify its argument that nicotine vaping should not be banned.
“Half of RM141.1 million is RM70 million more funds, which could help repair the damage of having nicotine vape completely deregulated for more than a year,” said Azrul. “This money is intended to complement existing allocations given to the Ministry of Health, especially in the area of health education and promotion, which is severely underfunded.”
Vaping prevalence in Malaysia has surged 600 percent in 12 years, reports the New Straits Times, citing a recent study.
The 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) found that some 5.8 percent of Malaysian adults are e-cigarette users compared with only 0.8 percent in 2011.
GATS is a nationally representative household survey conducted in more than 30 countries globally.
The report also revealed an increase in the percentage of people who used both tobacco and e-cigarettes, from 0.8 percent in 2011 to 3.9 percent last year.
The 15–24 age group had the highest prevalence (8.6 percent) compared with 7.1 percent for those between 25 and 44.
The top 3 reasons cited for using e-cigarettes were flavors, the perception of lower risk compared to smoking, and more enjoyment.
It remains to be seen whether Malaysia will remain as tolerant of vaping as it is today.
By Norm Bour
Over the past four months, I have been in four different Asian countries. Each has its own currency, language, food and culture. They also all have their own vape markets, which differ based on regulations, cost of purchase (compared to income) and, in many cases, religious restrictions.
In Malaysia, my current homestay, the dominant religion is Islam, and I have seen more women wearing hajibs than in previously visited countries. What is fascinating is the exceptionally high number of young female vapers walking in the malls and on the streets. In a country so devout, I asked a vape shop clerks how religious leaders feel about vaping, especially among women.
“Cigarette and tobacco usage is very high within the Muslim community,” said one of the counter girls from Vape VG, which is located in a mall. “And even though most of us realize it’s an unhealthy habit, there is no opinion on it from our religious leaders.” She did not address the female perspective.
When I followed up and asked her which were the most popular products, she said (as many shopkeepers globally do), “flavors of all kinds, especially fruity [ones].”
I asked a group of several female vapers if they felt out of place or self-conscious about vaping in public or even in private. They said they had no problem doing it on the streets, but some felt uncomfortable doing it in their parents’ presence—even if their parents smoked.
Regardless, there is still a strong motivation in the country to increase tobacco taxation. In its February 2024 budget meeting, the government proposed to impose an excise duty on liquids or gels containing nicotine used for e-cigarettes or vaping devices—but that is as far as it got.
And Malaysia’s current excise duty on e-cigs and liquids with nicotine applies to just a few manufacturers. Meanwhile, the taxation on traditional cigarettes has not changed since 2017.
So far, the vape market in Malaysia is prolific and in the open. You don’t need to go very far to find a vape shop. Ironically, we saw more vape shops than tobacco stores, as my wife had difficulty finding the clove cigarettes she enjoys sometimes. The vape stores range from tiny kiosks, like Action Vape, within the walkways connecting buildings to small units of just a few square feet to the larger outlets, like Brain Freeze Vape, which claims to be the largest in the country.
With a population of just under 2 million, Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, provides valuable insights into the country’s vaping market.
Considering that vaping is banned in neighboring Thailand, Singapore and Brunei, plus nearby Cambodia and Laos, it’s refreshing to see an open market. One shop owner confirmed that his store gets a lot of tourists from abroad, especially from countries where vaping is outlawed.
Malaysia, too, came close to banning vapes under its “Generational Endgame” bill. Proposed in 2022, this legislation would have prohibited anyone born in 2007 or later from buying and using cigarettes or vaping products in Malaysia, in effect gradually raising the legal age until it covered the entire population. The bill never passed, however; it was abandoned in November 2023, officially due to concerns about its constitutionality. Critics, however, blamed the U-turn on industry lobbying.
With that said, Malaysia still restricts underage sales. The law prohibits sales to those under the age of 18, but loopholes make that restriction toothless, according to critics. Health advocates complain that leading tobacco companies such Philip Morris International, BAT and Japan Tobacco International wield considerable influence in Malaysia.
Last year, the government exempted liquid nicotine and gels from its Poisons Act, effectively legalizing vaping as of last April. The move angered many people. Currently, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 prohibits the advertising and sponsorship of e-cigarettes or vape products.
Many businesses see potential in the Malaysian vaping market. At the end of March, Airscream U.K. announced plans to invest myr100 million ($21.12 million) in its operations over the next five years and move its headquarters to Malaysia, according to media reports. The company has already established administrative, sales and marketing operations and a showroom in Shah Alam. It has close to 40 employees locally and 100 globally.
Airscream founder and CEO Sam Ong cited a robust market and vaping industry ecosystem as reasons for the company’s decision. Over the past decade, Malaysia’s vaping industry has grown into a myr3 billion business, employing more than 30,000 Malaysians, according to the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce.
Ong believes the market is poised for further growth, potentially driving more foreign direct investments into the country and bolstering job creation. “We are also encouraged by the passing of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, which brings Malaysia on par with other countries around the world, including the U.K., Australia, Thailand and Singapore, which have standalone legislation on tobacco and vape,” Ong said.
Additionally, China-based Ispire Technology received ISO9001: 2015 Quality Management System, ISO14001: 2015 Environmental Management System and ISO13485: 2016 Quality Management System Medical Device certifications for its 31,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Malaysia earlier this year. Company leadership announced previously that Malaysia offers more business-friendly tariff rules than some other Asian countries.
“Earning three ISO certifications at our Malaysian manufacturing facility is a testament to our team’s ability to quickly bring the facility up to some of the highest standards in the industry, allowing us to expand our gross margins, geopolitically de-risk our production and service other businesses who need manufacturing for their vape hardware,” said Ispire’s Co-CEO, Michael Wang. “As the facility ramps up production, our gross margin is expected to increase due to the lack of a tariff when assembling products in Malaysia and then shipping them to the U.S.
“This is in contrast to the 25 percent tariff incurred when shipping finished products from China.”
The vaping and smoking trends in Malaysia seem contrary to those in many other countries. E-cigarette use among Malaysian youths aged 13–17 rose from 9.8 percent in 2017 to 14.9 percent in 2022, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey. During the same period, cigarette smoking rates dropped from 13.8 percent to 6.2 percent.
With organizations such as the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance pressuring countries in the region to crack down on vaping, it remains to be seen whether Malaysia will remain as tolerant of vaping as it is today.
Norm Bour is the founder of VapeMentors and works with vape businesses worldwide. He can be reached at norm@VapeMentors.com.
Airscream UK plans to invest MYR100 million ($21.12 million) in its operations over the next five years and move its headquarters to Malaysia, reports the Business Times.
The company has already set up administrative, sales and marketing operations as well as a showroom in Shah Alam, with close to 40 employees locally and 100 globally.
Airscream founder and CEO Sam Ong cited a robust market and vaping industry ecosystem as reasons for the company’s decision.
Over the past decade, Malaysia’s vaping industry has grown into a MYR3 billion business, providing employment to more than 30,000 Malaysians, according to the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce.
Ong believes the market is poised for further growth, potentially driving more foreign direct investments into the country and bolstering job creation.
“We are also encouraged by the passing of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, which brings Malaysia on par to other countries around the world, including the U.K., Australia, Thailand and Singapore, which have standalone legislation on tobacco and vape,” Ong was quoted as saying.
Airscream was established in 2018 as a manufacturer and retailer of the AirsPop vape product.
Ispire Technology received ISO9001: 2015 Quality Management System, ISO14001: 2015 Environmental Management System and ISO13485: 2016 Quality Management System Medical Device certifications for its 31,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Malaysia.
Credit: Ispire
Ispire offers a complete line of vape cartridges, pod systems, disposables and batteries.
“Earning three ISO certifications at our Malaysian manufacturing facility is a testament to our team’s ability to quickly bring the facility up to some of the highest standards in the industry, allowing us to expand our gross margins, geopolitically de-risk our production and service other businesses who need manufacturing for their vape hardware,” said Ispire Technology Co-CEO Michael Wang in a statement.
“Currently, our Malaysian manufacturing facility has already received initial orders and is quickly moving into production readiness. As the facility ramps up production, our gross margin is expected to increase due to the lack of a tariff when assembling products in Malaysia and then shipping them to the U.S.
“This is in contrast to the 25 percent tariff incurred when shipping finished products from China. Additionally, by owning the factory, we also expect to be able to realize a profit on product assembly, which was formerly outsourced to a third party. We anticipate that these efficiency improvements will help drive gross-margin growth across the company’s full array of high-quality vaping products.”
