E-cigarette Industry in Malaysia Urges Enforcement of Public Health Law

Feb.08

Malaysia urged to strengthen enforcement of Public Health Act 2024 for e-cigarettes instead of considering a total ban.

According to a recent report by The Sun, industry insiders in the e-cigarette sector have pointed out that the Malaysian Ministry of Health should focus on strengthening enforcement of the 2024 Public Health Smoking Act (Bill 852) rather than reconsidering the possibility of a complete ban.

Bill 852 regulates the sale, packaging, and use of tobacco products (including e-cigarettes). Ridhwan Rosli, Secretary General of the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC), stated that any sudden policy reversal would only exacerbate uncertainty. The e-cigarette industry has always supported responsible regulation and a comprehensive ban has been proven ineffective. Bans cannot eliminate demand, but only push products towards a harder-to-control black market.

Previously, reports indicated that the Ministry of Health is prepared to reconsider a complete ban on e-cigarettes if necessary. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the priority is to regulate and control the use of e-cigarettes, including through mandatory product registration.

Ross highlighted that the Bill 852 is being implemented in phases, stressing that all stakeholders, including industry participants, should be given enough time to fully adapt to these regulations. Ross explicitly stated that e-cigarette products are intended only for adult smokers who wish to quit. Instead of ineffective bans, it is more important to ensure through education that e-cigarettes are seen as a harm reduction tool rather than a gateway for non-smokers.

References:

[1] Well-regulated policy needed for vape industry to grow responsibly, say industry players

Also Read:

[1] Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Busts a Vape Smuggling Gang Bribing Customs $45,000 Monthly

[2] Malaysia to Refine Vape Regulations for Nationwide Standard

[3] Malaysia to Implement Gradual Approach to Vape Regulation, Says Health Minister

[4] Malaysia Health Ministry Defends Vape Regulations Over Total Ban

[5] Malaysia's Health Minister: No Need to Follow Foreign E-Cig Bans, Focus on Enforcing New Smoking Control Act

[6] Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy Responds to 2Firsts: "Cassette-Style" E-cigs May Be Banned, Tobacco Products Prohibited from Public Display

[7] Call for Strict Enforcement of Tobacco Control Law in Malaysia

#Legislation #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Malaysia

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

New Zealand Health Ministry launches e-cigarette and nicotine pod procurement project for smoking cessation services

Health NZ launches e-cigarette and nicotine pod procurement project for 29 government-funded smoking cessation services, following WHO guidelines.

Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Spain’s Vape Bill Clears EU Internal Market Review, Moves to Parliament

Spain’s draft reform of its tobacco law has reached a critical stage. 2Firsts recently confirmed with Spanish government sources that the bill has completed the EU’s internal market review process and was approved by the Council of Ministers in early September. The decision means that, despite objections from the European Commission and several member states, Spain maintained its original provisions and has now moved the draft into parliamentary debate.

Sep.30

British Museum Ends Long-Running Sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International

According to The Guardian, the British Museum has ended its 15-year sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International after government inquiries into whether the deal breached WHO tobacco-control rules. Critics had long opposed the partnership, while the museum said sponsorship remains essential for its financial stability and public access.

Nov.20

Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation

According to Bloomberg, Dubai-based hookah brand owner Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR) plans to go public on Nasdaq in the first half of 2026 through a merger with a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed SPAC. The deal values the combined company at USD 1.75 billion under the ticker “AIIR.”