Malaysian state of Penang considers ban on e-cigarette sales

Apr.27.2025
Malaysian state of Penang considers ban on e-cigarette sales
Penang State Government in Malaysia considers banning e-cigarette sales amid concerns over links to synthetic drugs.

Main points:

The Penang state government of Malaysia has stated that they are considering banning the sale of e-cigarette products, but have not yet had formal discussions on the matter.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police of Malaysia has pointed out that the abuse of e-cigarettes is linked to the misuse of new synthetic drugs, and has called for more state governments to implement sales bans.

Johor and Terengganu states have prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes in commercial premises, with Terengganu set to implement the ban in August. Selangor state has joined the discussion of similar prohibition proposals.


According to a report from the Dailyexpress on April 26th, the Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia, Chow Kon Yeow, has stated that the state government is open to banning the sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products in commercial establishments throughout the state.

 

He also pointed out that formal discussions regarding the ban have not yet been initiated.

 

"We will await the Chairman of the Youth, Sports, and Health Committee, Daniel Gooi, to submit this matter at the State Executive Council. Only after that, will we further deliberate and decide on the next course of action."

 

Previously, Malaysian Deputy Chief of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay called for more state governments to take action to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes. He pointed out that currently these products are increasingly linked to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. According to him, students as young as 13 have been found using e-cigarettes containing drug ingredients, and if not stopped in time, this trend could pose a new threat to national security.

 

Johor state has implemented regulations banning the sale of e-cigarettes in commercial premises since 2016, while Terengganu state plans to implement a similar ban starting August 1, 2025.

 

Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Chairperson of the Selangor State Public Health and Environment Committee, also stated that the state government will soon convene a meeting to discuss the proposal to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products.

 

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

Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
A bill introduced in Singapore’s Parliament on Feb. 12 proposes major increases in penalties for vaping-related offences, including higher maximum fines for users, sellers and smugglers. The draft would also rename the current Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act as the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops
HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops
A committee substitute for House Bill 5437, the Vape Safety Act sponsored by Del. David McCormick (David McCormick), was recommended Monday afternoon by the House Health and Human Resources Committee to the full House, with the bill next heading to the House Judiciary Committee. HB 5437 would require specialty shops selling tobacco, tobacco-derived products, alternative nicotine, or vapor products and accessories to obtain a state license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA)
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicotine pouch brand SNÜ launches three fruit flavours, keeps “rub-and-smell” label to reduce retail shrink
Nicotine pouch brand SNÜ launches three fruit flavours, keeps “rub-and-smell” label to reduce retail shrink
UK nicotine pouch brand SNÜ has added three new flavours—Wild Cherry, Cherry Cola and Tropical Punch—spanning multiple nicotine strengths from 9mg to 60mg. The new products also retain the brand’s “rub-and-smell” packaging feature, designed to let shoppers preview the aroma without opening the can and help lower in-store product loss.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales
Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales
Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued an official statement on January 2, 2026 reaffirming the validity of Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021, which absolutely bans the use and commercialization of electronic nicotine delivery systems known as “vapeadores” or e-cigarettes.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts’ Nine Global Turning Points: How 2025 Reshaped the Nicotine Industry
2Firsts’ Nine Global Turning Points: How 2025 Reshaped the Nicotine Industry
In 2025, the global nicotine industry reached a critical turning point. Regulatory realignment, category shifts, capital repositioning and technological intervention unfolded in parallel, loosening old structures while new ones took shape. 2Firsts reviews nine pivotal events that reshaped the industry’s trajectory.
Jan.14