FLER at APE

A 21-year-old man in Singapore is assisting with investigations after a video allegedly showing him vaping inside a bus went viral on social media. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said via its Instagram Stories that it had identified the man and seized e-vaporisers and 12 pods from his home on Feb 3. Vape-related penalties were strengthened from Sept 1, with first-time adult users liable to a $700 fine, and third-time offenders prosecuted and fined up to $2,000.

Alan Zhao analyzes post-Operation Absolute Resolve geopolitics and the rise of “U.S.-referenced regulatory alignment” in South America’s novel tobacco market as U.S. influence grows. Using regulatory reliance, digitalized enforcement, and industrial shifts, he assesses how rule redesign may alter market access, competition, and supply chains, asking how firms can find durable certainty as order is rewritten.

Malaysia’s High Court has fixed May 15, 2026, to deliver its decision on a judicial review application by three NGOs challenging the government’s move to exempt vape liquids and gels from the Poisons List. The applicants argue the March 31, 2023 delisting effectively deregulated vape products and created a prolonged gap until Act 852 took effect in October 2024.

JT reported record FY2025 revenue and adjusted operating profit, supported by combustible resilience and accelerating reduced-risk product growth. Heated tobacco volumes surged, led by Ploom. The group confirmed a major three-year RRP investment plan and projected further growth in 2026.

Japan Tobacco (JT) is adding four new EVO variants for its Ploom heated tobacco range—Green Mint, Cacao Mint Crystal, Tropical Lime Crystal and Sakura Regular—set to launch in two waves on Jan. 22 and Feb. 3. The initial release will be via the CLUB JT online store and Ploom retail stores.