LKTN Cracks Down on Unlicensed Tobacco Retailers in Malaysia

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Aug.21.2024
LKTN Cracks Down on Unlicensed Tobacco Retailers in Malaysia
LKTN Chairman Datuk Wan Abd Rahim Wan Abdullah stated at a parade event today that Malaysia has issued 30,000 tobacco licenses nationwide, with 3,000 in Kelantan.

According to The Sun, on August 21, Datuk Wan Abd Rahim Wan Abdullah, chairman of Malaysia's National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), announced at the "Jalur Gemilang" and Independence Day parade ceremony today that 30,000 tobacco distribution or production licenses have been registered and issued nationwide, with approximately 3,000 licenses approved in the state of Kelantan.


He pointed out that many warehouse owners, retailers, and distributors in rural areas have not yet applied for tobacco distribution or production licenses.


To address this issue and increase the license application rate, LKTN has implemented intelligent enforcement measures. These measures include conducting on-site inspections in key urban and rural areas to enhance understanding of license requirements.


We have identified several non-compliant business establishments, including retailers, which may face fines of up to RM 250,000 (USD 57,084) for selling and distributing tobacco products without proper authorization.


Media reports earlier indicated that from January 1, 2023, to July 15 of the same year, LKTN has approved 29,098 tobacco distribution or production licenses out of 38,067 registered establishments on the Malaysian peninsula.


According to reports, the Malaysia National Tobacco Board, established in 1973, was dissolved in 2010 and replaced by the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). The board's purpose is to regulate and coordinate activities related to the tobacco industry in 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

JUUL2 Sued Within a Week of FDA Authorization as AJ Marketing Alleges Infringement of Programmable Vape Patent
JUUL2 Sued Within a Week of FDA Authorization as AJ Marketing Alleges Infringement of Programmable Vape Patent
Less than a week after JUUL2 received U.S. FDA marketing authorization on August 28, 2026, JUUL Labs was sued for patent infringement in federal court in Delaware. AJ Marketing LLC filed the complaint on September 3, alleging that both JUUL 1 and JUUL2 infringe U.S. Patent No. 8,851,068 B2. The patent covers aspects of programmable electronic vaporization devices, including controls over dose delivery, usage frequency and operating parameters. The plaintiff is seeking reasonable royalties and ongoing royalties tied to the remaining life of the patent. JUUL has not yet publicly responded to the case.
Sep.10
Special Report | Vape bans and tougher rules: the South Caucasus takes different paths
Special Report | Vape bans and tougher rules: the South Caucasus takes different paths
Azerbaijan's sweeping e-cigarette ban has raised concerns over enforcement errors and the emergence of illicit sales, while neighboring Armenia is tightening technical rules and preparing higher excise taxes. Georgia, meanwhile, has resisted calls for broader vape restrictions and introduced preferential taxes for some domestically produced cigarettes. The divergent approaches across the South Caucasus highlight a regional policy dilemma: how to curb nicotine use and protect public health without encouraging black markets or creating unintended economic consequences for businesses and consumers.
Nov.03
From Vuse, Velo and glo to AI Consulting: Former BAT Content Lead Launches Destreza
From Vuse, Velo and glo to AI Consulting: Former BAT Content Lead Launches Destreza
Former BAT global content lead Andy Parton has left the company and launched Destreza, a London-based AI-native marketing consultancy. Parton previously worked across BAT's New Category brands Vuse, Velo and glo and had also served as Global Brand Lead for Vuse Go. Destreza says it will advise consumer businesses on AI in brand strategy, operating models, capability and agency configuration, using specialist AI agents to support research, strategy and creative development. BAT reported £3.621 billion in New Category revenue in 2025.
Sep.22
FRE and ALP Push Modern Oral to 48% of Q2 Sales as Turning Point Brands Changes CEO and Lowers Profit-Guidance Ceiling
FRE and ALP Push Modern Oral to 48% of Q2 Sales as Turning Point Brands Changes CEO and Lowers Profit-Guidance Ceiling
Turning Point Brands said Executive Chairman David E. Glazek will become CEO on October 1, replacing Graham Purdy, who is stepping down for personal reasons. The company narrowed its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $70 million-$80 million from $70 million-$90 million while maintaining Modern Oral gross sales guidance of $330 million-$350 million and net sales guidance of $260 million-$270 million. In the second quarter, Modern Oral net sales rose 128% to $68.4 million and accounted for 48% of company-wide net sales. Adjusted EBITDA fell 50% year over year. TPB shares closed about 10% lower on September 21.
Market
Sep.22 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Couche-Tard Posts Double-Digit U.S. Same-Store Growth in Other Nicotine Products, Led by Pouches
Couche-Tard Posts Double-Digit U.S. Same-Store Growth in Other Nicotine Products, Led by Pouches
Alimentation Couche-Tard said U.S. same-store sales in its “other nicotine products” category grew at a double-digit rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, led by nicotine pouches, while overall U.S. same-store merchandise revenues increased 1.7%. The company also said its Canadian nicotine business continued to face regulatory pressure and illicit-market headwinds. The U.S. performance coincides with Couche-Tard's participation in efforts to reopen Canadian convenience-store access to authorized nicotine pouches, though the company has not established a direct causal link between the two.
Sep.14
Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million
Australia’s Victoria Steps Up Illegal Tobacco Enforcement With Store Closures and Penalties of Up to A$2.5 Million
Australia’s state of Victoria has activated new powers allowing Tobacco Licensing Victoria and police to shut premises suspected of selling, supplying or possessing illicit tobacco for up to 90 days. Longer closures can be ordered by a magistrates’ court. Businesses subject to closure orders must generally cease all trading and will be placed on a public list. Breaching a closure order can carry penalties of up to A$2.5 million and 20 years in prison.
Sep.10