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

UAE Sets Dh1-Per-ml Minimum Excise Price for Vape Liquids From Sept. 1 While Keeping 100% Tax Rate
UAE Sets Dh1-Per-ml Minimum Excise Price for Vape Liquids From Sept. 1 While Keeping 100% Tax Rate
The UAE Ministry of Finance will introduce a minimum excise price for e-liquids used in vaping and electronic smoking devices from September 1, 2026. The minimum excise price will be set at AED 1 per millilitre. The existing 100% excise tax rate will continue to apply to tobacco and electronic smoking products. The measure changes the minimum taxable base rather than the tax rate, with the UAE government saying it aims to establish unified tax standards, improve market compliance and prevent pricing loopholes.
Regulations
Aug.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | ZAR Launches Coffee AirPouch, Expanding Pouch Format Into Caffeine Products
Product | ZAR Launches Coffee AirPouch, Expanding Pouch Format Into Caffeine Products
ZAR has introduced Coffee AirPouch, a nicotine-free caffeine pouch product that extends the brand’s AirPouch format into the functional consumer category. Each pouch contains 50mg of natural caffeine and features a coffee flavor, highlighting how pouch-based products are expanding beyond traditional nicotine applications into broader lifestyle and energy-use scenarios.
Market
Jul.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
The UK Department of Health and Social Care published new guidance on Aug. 11 outlining the next phase of retail rules under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which will take effect on Oct. 29, 2026. The measures extend the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and consumer nicotine products and restrict proxy purchasing, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts. Relevant offences in England, Wales and Scotland may carry a £200 fixed penalty notice, while persistent offenders can face temporary sales bans.
Aug.12
FDA Grants PMTA Authorization to 11 ZYN ULTRA Nicotine Pouches, Bringing Total Authorized Pouches to 43
FDA Grants PMTA Authorization to 11 ZYN ULTRA Nicotine Pouches, Bringing Total Authorized Pouches to 43
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized 11 ZYN ULTRA nicotine pouch products made by Swedish Match USA through the premarket tobacco product application pathway on August 21, 2026. Ten of the authorized products have a labeled nicotine content of 9 mg, while ZYN ULTRA Smooth was authorized at 11 mg. The reviews were conducted through FDA’s nicotine pouch PMTA pilot program. FDA has now authorized 43 nicotine pouch products, including 23 through the pilot.
Aug.24
South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook has again called for stronger government action against liquid synthetic nicotine vape manufacturers and sellers, alleging that some businesses may have avoided regulation through product labeling changes and corporate restructuring. According to Newsworks, JNILBO and other Korean reports, Jeong has held his third press conference on the issue, calling for a government-wide investigation. The dispute involves whether synthetic nicotine products should fall under tobacco regulations, tax implications and supply-chain transparency. South Korean government agencies have previously said some estimates of potential tax losses cannot be verified due to limited sales data.
Jul.27
Special Report | China Opens Draft Mandatory Heated Cigarette Standard for Comment, Multiple Heating Technologies Remain in Scope
Special Report | China Opens Draft Mandatory Heated Cigarette Standard for Comment, Multiple Heating Technologies Remain in Scope
China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) has released a draft mandatory national standard for heated cigarettes, setting out detailed requirements for tobacco sticks, heating devices and aerosols. The proposal treats the stick and device as parts of the same product system, focuses on minimum safety and quality requirements, and leaves several heating architectures within scope.
Special Report
Jul.29