Malaysia's Johor State Reaffirms Stance: Vape Ban Stays, No Sales Permits Issued

Nov.25.2024
Malaysia's Johor State Reaffirms Stance: Vape Ban Stays, No Sales Permits Issued
The Johor state government in Malaysia has decided to maintain its vape ban, in place since 2016, and will not issue permits for vape sales.

According to Berita Harian on November 24th, the Johor state government has decided to continue its ban on e-cigarettes, which has been in place since 2016. They will not issue any sales licenses for e-cigarettes.

 

Johor State Housing and Local Government Chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor stated that the decision has been in effect since 2016 and the 8-year ban includes strict restrictions on e-cigarettes and related products containing nicotine.

 

"Johor continues to enforce the ban on the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes in the state," he said.

 

On January 1, 2016, at the request of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, the use of e-cigarettes was banned throughout the state and commercial establishments were ordered to cease operations.

 

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated on November 19 that the federal government will continue to regulate e-cigarette products through the Tobacco Control Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on October 1. 

 

He mentioned that although the federal government has not imposed a nationwide ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, it will be up to individual state governments to decide on policies, including potentially banning the sale of e-cigarettes through local authorities. (Read more: "Malaysia to Implement Gradual Approach to Vape Regulation, Says Health Minister")

 

Last week, Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang state in Malaysia proposed a total ban on the use of e-cigarettes. (Read more: "Penang Consumer Group Pushes for Vape Ban Amid Youth Addiction Concerns")

 

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

South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook has again called for stronger government action against liquid synthetic nicotine vape manufacturers and sellers, alleging that some businesses may have avoided regulation through product labeling changes and corporate restructuring. According to Newsworks, JNILBO and other Korean reports, Jeong has held his third press conference on the issue, calling for a government-wide investigation. The dispute involves whether synthetic nicotine products should fall under tobacco regulations, tax implications and supply-chain transparency. South Korean government agencies have previously said some estimates of potential tax losses cannot be verified due to limited sales data.
Jul.27
FDA Foreign Tobacco Registration Proposal Could Strengthen ENDS Import Oversight, Azim Chowdhury Says
FDA Foreign Tobacco Registration Proposal Could Strengthen ENDS Import Oversight, Azim Chowdhury Says
FDA’s proposed rule requiring foreign tobacco manufacturers to register establishments and list products is more than routine paperwork, Keller and Heckman LLP partner Azim Chowdhury told 2Firsts. He said it could strengthen FDA’s import enforcement, inspections and market surveillance. Chinese e-cigarette OEM/ODM manufacturers, specification developers, brand owners and component suppliers may need to review their roles, product data and U.S. market authorization status.
Special Report
Jun.29
Chinese Disposable Brands OXBAR, LYCO Challenge Vuse and JUUL: Pennsylvania’s Pending List Offers a Glimpse of the Future Legal Vape Market
Chinese Disposable Brands OXBAR, LYCO Challenge Vuse and JUUL: Pennsylvania’s Pending List Offers a Glimpse of the Future Legal Vape Market
Pennsylvania’s June 26 ENDS Pending Certifications list previews the state’s future legal vape market, placing Vuse, JUUL and Logic alongside Chinese-linked disposable brands OXBAR and LYCO. Shaped by PMTA eligibility and state rules, the list shows competition shifting from market share to market access.
Special Report
Jul.06
Special Report | Russia, Ukraine and Belarus Launch Fresh Push to Rein in Vaping
Special Report | Russia, Ukraine and Belarus Launch Fresh Push to Rein in Vaping
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are tightening vape regulation through different tools, from Ukraine’s stronger enforcement push and Belarus’s proposed advertising restrictions to Russia’s new GOST standard and regional sales-ban mechanism. As black-market concerns persist, some Russian experts argue that China’s tightly controlled but legalised model — built around licensing, traceability and taxation — may offer a more effective alternative to blanket prohibition.
Jul.15
Canadian Court Allows Juul and Altria Vape Class Action to Move Forward Over Youth Marketing Claims
Canadian Court Allows Juul and Altria Vape Class Action to Move Forward Over Youth Marketing Claims
A Quebec Superior Court has allowed a class action lawsuit against Juul Labs and Altria Group related to vaping products to proceed, involving allegations concerning marketing practices, youth exposure and corporate responsibility. The ruling only allows the case to move forward and does not represent a finding that Juul or Altria are legally liable. The case highlights continued legal risks facing vape companies regarding product marketing, youth protection and corporate accountability.
Jul.28
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK PM Andy Burnham Reshapes Vape Retail Rules as Licensing Could Raise Barriers for New Shops
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is pushing a high street reform agenda that could give local authorities greater powers over commercial activity, including vape retail. The reforms could involve expanded planning powers and a potential vape retail licensing system, allowing councils to play a larger role in store locations and market access. The measures are part of the UK’s broader shift toward tighter vape regulation, although no nationwide vape retail restrictions have yet been implemented.
Aug.11