Malaysian PM reports more than $40 million in e-cigarette taxes collected in 3 years, revenue to fund government projects

Oct.23.2024
Malaysian PM reports more than $40 million in e-cigarette taxes collected in 3 years, revenue to fund government projects
The Malaysian Prime Minister revealed in a parliamentary reply that Malaysia will collect $42.08 million in taxes from e-cigarettes and vaping products, including those with and without nicotine, between 2021 and 2024. The funds will support the government's administrative and development costs.

Malaysia's Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in a written reply to Parliament that Malaysia will collect a total of RM183.1 million (US$42.08 million) in taxes from e-cigarettes and vaping products from 2021 to 2024, according to The Star on 23 October.

 

This amount includes taxes from both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-cigarette products, with taxes from nicotine-containing products amounting to RM100.3 million (US$23.05 million).

 

The regulations require that all e-liquids or gels used in e-cigarettes and vapor products, regardless of nicotine content, are subject to excise tax of 40 cents per millilitre.
 

The minister emphasised that all types of electronic and non-electronic devices, including e-cigarettes, will also be subject to the excise tax at a flat rate of 10%. The tax on nicotine-free products will be implemented from 1 January 2021, while those containing nicotine will be implemented from 1 May 2023.

 

He pointed out that these taxes will be allocated to the Consolidated Fund of the Government, as required by Article 97(1) of the Constitution. Funds for administrative and development expenditure, including funding for health plans and projects, will be allocated through the annual national budget process.

 

Earlier reports indicated that a health organization urged the government to allocate 50% of the revenue from e-cigarette taxes to support public health projects. They believe that e-cigarette tax revenue should be used to address the negative consequences of disposable nicotine e-cigarette device marketing and sales.

 

It is reported that in the budget speech of the Finance Minister on February 24, 2023, it was also mentioned that the tax revenue from e-cigarette products will be used in the health-related field. With the introduction of taxes on nicotine e-liquid for e-cigarettes in the 2023 budget, it also means that nicotine e-liquid and gels are excluded from the 1952 Poison Act.

 

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

U.S. Court Rules Zyn Marketing Dispute Can Proceed, Rejects Philip Morris International’s Bid to Dismiss
U.S. Court Rules Zyn Marketing Dispute Can Proceed, Rejects Philip Morris International’s Bid to Dismiss
A U.S. federal court in Florida denied Philip Morris International and its subsidiaries’ motion to dismiss, allowing consumers to proceed with claims under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act alleging that Zyn nicotine pouches’ “tobacco-free” marketing is misleading. The court held that the allegations do not amount to a fraud claim and may move forward to the merits stage.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California DOJ Outlines Next Steps for Unflavored Tobacco List; Enforcement to Target “Obviously Flavored” Products
California DOJ Outlines Next Steps for Unflavored Tobacco List; Enforcement to Target “Obviously Flavored” Products
The California DOJ issued Information Bulletin No. 2025-DLE-17 on November 10, 2025, providing an update on the state’s flavored tobacco enforcement. The Attorney General’s office is set to launch the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) by December 31, 2025, identifying tobacco products without characterizing flavors that may legally be sold in California. Enforcement will continue to focus on “obviously flavored” products, while unregistered products remain subject to seizure and penalties.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
10,800 Vape Cartridges Worth USD 175,000 Confiscated in Maldives
10,800 Vape Cartridges Worth USD 175,000 Confiscated in Maldives
The Maldives Customs Service has confiscated the largest single shipment of vapes since the national import ban took effect in November 2024. Officials searched a sea freight shipment on December 4 and seized 10,800 vape cartridges valued at approximately MVR 2.7 million (USD 175,000).
Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canada’s B.C. Passes First Vaping Cost-Recovery Framework, Allowing Government to Sue Manufacturers Over Health Expenses
Canada’s B.C. Passes First Vaping Cost-Recovery Framework, Allowing Government to Sue Manufacturers Over Health Expenses
According to the Nelson Star, British Columbia has passed the Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act by a 49–42 vote. The legislation enables the provincial government to seek recovery of future public health costs from vape manufacturers, following models used in opioid and tobacco litigation.
Dec.03
Thailand’s health minister rejects vaping as a smoking cessation alternative
Thailand’s health minister rejects vaping as a smoking cessation alternative
Thailand’s Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat has reaffirmed that the government does not support cigarettes or e-cigarettes in any form and opposes the use of e-cigarettes as a substitute for smoking cessation.
Dec.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai