Malaysia’s Kedah State to Ban All Vape Sales, Retailers Ordered to Shut Down by Year-End

May.23
Malaysia’s Kedah State to Ban All Vape Sales, Retailers Ordered to Shut Down by Year-End
Malaysian state of Kedah orders e-cigarette businesses to cease operations by December, citing public health and drug threats.

Key points:

 

1.The government of Kedah state in Malaysia has requested e-cigarette businesses to cease operations by December, giving them a 7-month transition period.

 

2.The government's action is aimed at protecting public health and curbing the threat of synthetic drugs.

 

3.Apart from Kedah, Terengganu and Penang states have also announced similar bans.

 

4.Since 2024, the state of Kedah will strictly enforce the law and impose severe penalties on violators.

 


 

According to a report by Buletin, the government of the state of Kedah, Malaysia has officially announced that e-cigarette businesses in the state must cease operations by the end of December. This ban is in place to ensure the health of all residents in the state and to curb the threat of synthetic drugs.

 

The Chairman of the Kedah State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee, Mansor Zakaria, stated that the government will not extend the deadline and urged businesses to utilize the 7-month transition period to move towards other commercial sectors. He emphasized that this decision was reached during a meeting this week with all local authorities in Kedah.

 

Currently, sales of e-cigarettes are strictly restricted under the Public Health Tobacco Products Control Act 852 of 2024. Prior to this, the states of Penang and Selangor announced on April 24 that the sale of e-cigarettes would be completely banned starting from August 1.

 

Kedah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has also announced that the government will no longer renew e-cigarette sales licenses this year. This policy is aimed at addressing the issue of synthetic drug abuse, particularly its spread among students.

 

Some e-cigarette industry players expressed disappointment, believing they are operating legally and should not be grouped with those selling illicit substances. They hope the government can provide a longer adjustment period. Mansour responded that comprehensive enforcement activities will begin early next year, and for businesses still selling e-cigarettes after the deadline, the government will take actions such as raids and fines.

 

In regards to convenience stores and other establishments selling e-cigarettes, Mansor pointed out that enforcement in this area falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health (KKM). He suggested that the Ministry of Health should cancel all production and sales permits for e-cigarettes at the federal level in order to fully address the issue, emphasizing that the central government must take decisive action to completely ban the sale of e-cigarettes.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Meets with Representatives from British American Tobacco
State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Meets with Representatives from British American Tobacco
On May 26, Wang Gongcheng, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, met in Beijing with BAT Management Board Member and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Zhanoski. The two sides held friendly talks.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Pahang State in Malaysia Announces Total Ban on E-Cigarettes, Plans Gradual Phase-Out of Sales
Pahang State in Malaysia Announces Total Ban on E-Cigarettes, Plans Gradual Phase-Out of Sales
The Pahang state government in Malaysia has banned the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices statewide, effective immediately. The ban was approved on May 14 and endorsed by Sultan Abdullah. Local authorities will enforce the ban, and sellers are advised to gradually reduce their inventory.
Jun.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Former Employee Sues KT&G for $2 Billion in Heated Tobacco Patent Dispute
Former Employee Sues KT&G for $2 Billion in Heated Tobacco Patent Dispute
A former KT&G researcher is suing the company for $2 billion, alleging inadequate compensation for a heated tobacco patent. The initial claim is around $72 million, and the case is expected to go to trial.
May.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts In-Depth | From Demographics to Distribution: Why Pakistan May Be Asia’s Next Vape Battleground
2Firsts In-Depth | From Demographics to Distribution: Why Pakistan May Be Asia’s Next Vape Battleground
Despite renewed conflict and airspace closures, Pakistan’s e-cigarette market is quietly expanding. As a "gray market" shaped by high taxes, weak regulation, and trade hurdles, it poses both challenges and opportunities. Chinese brands are entering cautiously, as the vaping business becomes a real test of resilience in a complex and uncertain environment.
May.14
Korea's 2025 Tobacco Control Campaign Targets Youth Vaping
Korea's 2025 Tobacco Control Campaign Targets Youth Vaping
Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, in collaboration with the Health Promotion and Development Institute (HPDI), will launch its first 2025 tobacco control campaign on April 24, prioritizing efforts to curb youth vaping. Additional campaigns targeting adult smokers are slated for release later this year.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Goldman Sachs: Chinese Brands Geek Bar and Breeze Surge in U.S. Market as Juul, Vuse Lose Share
Goldman Sachs: Chinese Brands Geek Bar and Breeze Surge in U.S. Market as Juul, Vuse Lose Share
Chinese brands Geek Bar, Raz, and Breeze are quickly rising in the U.S. e-cigarette market, now holding a combined 25.1% share, Goldman Sachs reports. While Vuse and Juul lost ground, Geek Bar Pulse jumped 729%, Raz 233%, and Breeze 105% over the past year.
May.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai