Malaysia Ministry of Health to submit proposal to Cabinet for comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, measures set to combat smuggling and black market

Key Points

Policy Update: Malaysian Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni announced that a proposal to completely ban e-cigarettes and related products will soon be submitted for Cabinet consideration.

Regulation Basis: The "2024 Public Health Tobacco Control Products Act" has come into effect, banning the use and online sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products by minors, and requiring all products to be registered and filed.

Cost pressure: In 2024, e-cigarette tax revenue is projected to be 111 million ringgit, but related treatment costs are estimated to reach 223 million ringgit, showing that the health burden outweighs the financial gains.

Law enforcement measures: The ban will be implemented in phases, with cooperation between customs, police departments, and local governments to crack down on smuggling and black markets.

2Firsts, October 8, 2025—According to The Sun, the Malaysian Ministry of Health is moving towards a complete ban on e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that the proposal will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for policy approval.

Currently, the Ministry of Health has implemented the "Public Health Tobacco Control Products Act 2024" (Act 852), which prohibits minors from purchasing and using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and eliminates online sales.

Nicotine continues to be regulated under the 1952 Poison Act, but e-liquids have been included in a new law that will take effect this month. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, must be registered with the Ministry of Health before importation, production, or distribution in accordance with Section 3 of the law, while Section 10 prohibits online sales. Violators will face fines and imprisonment.

Health Minister Lukanisman stated in the Lower House of Parliament that in 2024, e-cigarette taxes amounted to 111 million ringgit (26.31 million USD), but related treatment costs have already reached 223 million ringgit (52.86 million USD), with further increases expected, indicating that healthcare costs outweigh financial benefits. The Health Ministry is aware that imposing a total ban could lead to risks of smuggling and the black market. Therefore, any ban would be accompanied by a comprehensive strategy, including the integration of enforcement by multiple ministries and agencies, and the strengthening of human resources.

The ban will be implemented in stages, with enforcement, education, and community support as core elements. The involvement of non-governmental organizations and communities will also be mobilized to reduce demand and encourage behavior change. Lukas Nisman added that protecting public health relies not only on legislation, but also on the participation of the entire population.

According to the "National Participation Plan," the Ministry of Health launched the Safe Lungs Action on August 1, collaborating with customs, the Ministry of Commerce, the police, and local governments to strictly regulate the distribution and sale of e-cigarettes.