Malaysia Warns E-Cigarette Treatment Costs Could Hit $80M by 2030

Nov.14.2024
Malaysia Warns E-Cigarette Treatment Costs Could Hit $80M by 2030
Malaysia's Health Ministry warns that treatment costs for e-cigarette-related lung injuries (Evali) could surge to $82.24 million by 2030, while 41 Evali cases have been reported since 2019.

According to Free Malaysia Today's report on November 14th, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) has warned that the treatment costs for the illness related to the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products, known as "Evali," are expected to soar to 369 million Malaysian Ringgit (82.24 million USD) by 2030.


The Minister of Health, Dzulkefly Ahmad, stated that as of now, the government has borne approximately 150,892.11 Malaysian Ringgit (30,000 USD) in treatment costs for each patient hospitalized for 12 days due to Evali.


From 2019 to September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Health has reported a total of 41 cases of Evali. In addition, the National Poison Center has received a total of 111 accident notifications caused by e-cigarettes or e-cigarette liquids from 2015 to 2023.


The minister stated that the Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024 will come into effect on October 1st, with the aim of curbing the use of e-cigarettes, especially among children and adolescents. The law not only aims to protect young people from the influence of e-cigarettes, but also seeks to reduce the government's future healthcare costs burden. The law imposes strict restrictions on the advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and sale of e-cigarette products to minors.


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

UK ONS Data: Vaping Rate Among Women Aged 25–34 Reaches 18.3%, Compared With 14.4% for Men
UK ONS Data: Vaping Rate Among Women Aged 25–34 Reaches 18.3%, Compared With 14.4% for Men
The vaping rate among women aged 25 to 34 in Great Britain reached 18.3% in 2025, up from 13.7% in 2024 and 8.3% in 2020, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure was the highest for this group since records began in 2014 and exceeded the 14.4% recorded among men of the same age. Adults aged 25 to 34 also overtook those aged 16 to 24 as the age group with the highest vaping prevalence. Overall, about 5.4 million adults in Great Britain used e-cigarettes in 2025, broadly unchanged from the previous year.
DATA
Oct.13
Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings
Special Report | Altria's NACS Booth Raises Questions Over U.S. Tobacco Advertising Warnings
During its coverage of Altria's booth at NACS Show 2026, 2Firsts documented product displays that prompted questions about U.S. tobacco advertising warning requirements. Following public comments from a former FDA official, 2Firsts sought responses from Altria and independently consulted U.S. regulatory lawyer Azim Chowdhury. Altria maintained that its B2B communications complied with applicable laws, while Chowdhury explained that federal warning rules provide no general trade-show exemption for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The special report examines the broader regulatory implications.
Nov.04
South Korea's Tobacco Plan Excludes 6-Methyl Nicotine as Customs Tightens Import Controls and Analog Liquid Imports Fall 83%
South Korea's Tobacco Plan Excludes 6-Methyl Nicotine as Customs Tightens Import Controls and Analog Liquid Imports Fall 83%
South Korea's government unveiled its first Tobacco Harm Management Basic Plan for 2027–2031 on October 29, 2026, proposing broader testing of vaping and heated tobacco products while excluding nicotine analogs such as 6-methyl nicotine. Synthetic nicotine came under tobacco regulation on April 24, and a June investigation found 6-methyl nicotine in 12 liquid inhalation products marketed as nicotine-free. Customs data released in September showed that imports of nicotine analog solutions fell 83.3%, from 12 metric tons in January–April to 2 metric tons in May–August. By September 20, imports had reached approximately 15 metric tons for the year, with 99.99% originating from China. Customs authorities have tightened pre-clearance testing and supply-chain documentation requirements, while the MFDS expects to complete its assessment of nicotine analog hazards by the end of 2026.
Regulations
Nov.04
China’s Vape-Related Exports Rose 4.5% in Q3 2026 as 21.6% Growth in Shipments to the UK Offset a Decline in Shipments to the US
China’s Vape-Related Exports Rose 4.5% in Q3 2026 as 21.6% Growth in Shipments to the UK Offset a Decline in Shipments to the US
China's vape-related exports rose 4.5% year over year to $2.86 billion in the third quarter of 2026, led by stronger shipments to the United Kingdom as exports to the United States declined. UK-bound shipments increased 21.6%, adding $81.9 million, while US exports fell 5.2%, or $53.6 million. Growth weakened through the quarter, with September exports down 6.3% globally and 37.8% to the US. Nicotine-containing vape products accounted for more than 82% of the quarterly net increase, while device exports were nearly flat. Nine-month exports totaled $7.82 billion, up 4.0%.
DATA
Oct.26
Special Report | From New York to Washington: How FDA’s Tobacco Center Is Reworking Product Review
Special Report | From New York to Washington: How FDA’s Tobacco Center Is Reworking Product Review
FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is reshaping how it approaches tobacco product review. Based on 2Firsts’ on-site reporting in New York and Washington, this report traces CTP’s emerging direction: stronger links between PMTA and tobacco harm reduction, more category-specific review, greater emphasis on decision-relevant science, more predictable timelines and expanded use of sPMTA for product modifications. CTP also acknowledged major constraints, including just nine PMTA review teams, persistent backlogs and limits on hiring capacity.
Regulations
Oct.08
Special report|Indonesia's Vape Industry Has 200 Manufacturers and $1.7 Billion in Investment. Could a Regulatory Divide Derail Its Rise as the World's No. 2 Manufacturing Hub After Shenzhen?
Special report|Indonesia's Vape Industry Has 200 Manufacturers and $1.7 Billion in Investment. Could a Regulatory Divide Derail Its Rise as the World's No. 2 Manufacturing Hub After Shenzhen?
Indonesia's Ministry of Industry said at a November 3, 2026, policy forum that the country has about 200 electronic cigarette companies, Rp31 trillion (approximately $1.71 billion) in cumulative industry investment and around 100,000 jobs across the supply chain. The National Narcotics Agency is seeking a comprehensive ban on vape use and circulation, while the industry ministry favors tighter import, product-standard and distribution controls. Indonesia exported approximately $518 million in vaping products in 2025, and Chinese manufacturers including Smoore, GEEKVAPE and Jinjia Group have established local operations. An international logistics specialist interviewed by 2Firsts said more Chinese vape companies began production in Indonesia from the second half of 2025, accompanied by increased shipments of manufacturing equipment and investment in logistics facilities. The regulatory debate comes as Indonesia expands its role in international vaping manufacturing.
Special Report
Nov.05