Malaysia’s vape industry flags “policy U-turn” concerns after ban on refillable open-system e-cigarettes

Key Takeaways

• Issue: industry concerns over a ban on refillable open-system e-cigarettes despite prior approvals

• DPVM view: Ridhwan Rosli says approved products completed lab testing and formal application processes

• Uncertainties: fate of existing inventories and whether approval fees will be refunded

• State differences: some states ban retail sales while allowing manufacturing, import and export

• Requests: clear enforcement mechanisms, a transition period to clear legally approved stock, and disclosure on approvals and fees

2Firsts, January 8, 2026 – According to The Star, Malaysia’s vape industry is raising concerns over what it describes as a policy reversal following the government’s decision to ban refillable open-system electronic cigarettes despite earlier regulatory approvals.

Industry players said the decision shows a lack of policy consistency and regulatory clarity despite prior Health Ministry approvals. Dewan Perniagaan Vape Malaysia (DPVM) secretary-general Ridhwan Rosli said the ban raised serious questions as approved products had already undergone laboratory testing and formal application processes.

Ridhwan said fees had been paid, with some products already approved, others still being processed, and some already in production. He said banning vape products after approvals were granted represents a policy U-turn that unfairly penalises traders, particularly those holding stock worth hundreds of millions of ringgit.

He said uncertainty now surrounds the fate of existing inventories and whether fees paid for approvals would be refunded. He also said there are inconsistencies at the state level, where some states ban retail vape sales but continue to allow manufacturing, import and export activities.

Ridhwan warned that banning products without clear enforcement mechanisms risks fuelling illicit markets and unregulated products, undermining consumer safety and compliant businesses. He said if the ban proceeds, the government should provide a reasonable transition period to allow traders to clear stocks that were legally approved.

He also said the government should clearly detail the total number of products already approved, those still under review, and the status of existing approvals and fees to prevent major industry losses and damage investor confidence.

Image Source: MEDIA MULIA