Malaysia Bans E-Cigarette Sales Through Vending Machines Under New Law

Jul.12.2024
Malaysia Bans E-Cigarette Sales Through Vending Machines Under New Law
Malaysia bans e-cigarette sales through vending machines at major shopping center, sparking public concern.

According to a report by Freemalaysiatoday on July 12, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has stated that, under the "2024 Public Health Smoking Products Control Act," the sale of e-cigarettes through vending machines will be prohibited.


The management of a shopping center in Kuala Lumpur has stopped operating e-cigarette vending machines on its premises due to concerns over easy public access to such products.


The Ministry of Health stated in a declaration that they have met with management to explain the regulations prohibiting the sale and display of tobacco products.


The statement pointed out that it is prohibited to sell e-cigarettes through vending machines under the Food Act of 1983 and Regulation 10 of the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2004.


The Ministry of Health has advised management to immediately cease operation of vending machines as a social responsibility, and they have agreed to and complied with this recommendation.


According to a report by FMT, social media users strongly oppose the e-cigarette vending machine installed at a prominent shopping center in Kuala Lumpur.


FMT's investigation found that customers can easily purchase e-cigarette products by selecting their desired items through a touchscreen interface and making payments using electronic wallets like Boost, GrabPay, or Touch 'n Go.


The Ministry of Health also stated in the announcement that the upcoming implementation of the 2024 Public Health Smoking Products Control Act (also known as Bill No. 852) will prohibit the sale and display of all smoking products through vending machines.


The regulation is currently being finalized and, once approved, will come into effect simultaneously with Bill 852.


The Ministry of Health also stated that since June 9th, briefings have been conducted nationwide for law enforcement officers and local authorities to prepare for the implementation of Act 852 and its related regulations.


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

BofA Upgrades Imperial Brands, Says Market Overreacted to Australia Slump
BofA Upgrades Imperial Brands, Says Market Overreacted to Australia Slump
Bank of America upgraded Imperial Brands to “buy” from “neutral,” saying investors have overreacted to the tobacco group’s Australian business downturn and that the share-price pullback has created a more attractive entry point.
Jul.16
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23
Philippine Local Governments Urge Marcos to Prioritize Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill
Philippine Local Governments Urge Marcos to Prioritize Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill, seeking a nationwide legal framework for tobacco and vape regulation. Local government leaders said national legislation would help standardize enforcement and strengthen public health measures. The proposal remains at the advocacy stage and has not yet become law.
Jul.29
Hunan China Tobacco Industry files heated tobacco device patent featuring adult-user identification through pressure sensing
Hunan China Tobacco Industry files heated tobacco device patent featuring adult-user identification through pressure sensing
China-based Hunan China Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Baisha Technology Co., Ltd. have filed a patent application covering an adult-user identification mechanism for heated tobacco devices. The patent proposes using flexible pressure sensors installed in the device grip area to collect pressure distribution patterns generated when users hold the device. The system evaluates factors including effective contact area, grip shape and contact duration, and combines roller movement detection to determine whether unlocking conditions are met. The filing reflects exploration of device-level user recognition and smarter interaction technologies for heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Aug.05
Charlie’s Says 30 PACHA Vape SKUs Tentatively Identified for FDA’s Non-Priority Enforcement Public List
Charlie’s Says 30 PACHA Vape SKUs Tentatively Identified for FDA’s Non-Priority Enforcement Public List
Charlie’s Holdings said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified the company on June 23, 2026, that 30 PACHA vape SKUs with submitted PMTAs had been tentatively identified for inclusion on a planned public-facing FDA webpage. Under enforcement guidance issued by FDA in May, the webpage is intended to identify certain unauthorized products for which the agency generally does not intend to prioritize enforcement of premarket authorization requirements. Charlie’s disclosed the development alongside second-quarter revenue of $3.8 million, up 116% year over year.
Aug.25
North Carolina Adds $1,000 Vape Shop Tax and 21+ Age Verification Requirement
North Carolina Adds $1,000 Vape Shop Tax and 21+ Age Verification Requirement
North Carolina’s new state budget introduces additional vape retail regulations, including a $1,000 tax on vape shops and mandatory age verification requiring customers to be at least 21.
Jul.08