2Firsts, September 29, 2025,— On September 25, Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the country plans to implement a nationwide ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes by mid-2026. The ban will be rolled out in phases, starting with open-system vape products before extending to all types of e-cigarettes. The Ministry of Health is currently drafting a cabinet memorandum, which is expected to be submitted for approval by the end of the year.
Dzulkefly stated that if the ban cannot be enforced by mid-year, the ministry would push for implementation in the second half of 2026. He also noted that six states — including Johor, Kelantan, and Terengganu — have already suspended or declined to renew vape retail licenses, signaling early support for the initiative.
ASDF, one of Malaysia’s leading domestic vape brands, responded to the policy developments in an interview with 2Firsts:
“From our observations, the proposal for a comprehensive ban reflects the government's concerns regarding public health, youth protection and market regulation. However, given that the e-cigarette industry has already developed to a certain scale in Malaysia, further clarification and assessment are required regarding how the policy will ultimately be implemented and phased in.”
ASDF noted that if a phased ban is enforced, the market would likely face short-term structural disruptions such as supply chain adjustments, inventory challenges, and shifts in consumer behavior. In the longer term, companies will need to focus on regulatory compliance, regional diversification, and brand stability to navigate the transition.
