Controversy over Terengganu vape ban in Malaysia: Association challenges legality and urges postponement

Key points:

1.The state of Terengganu in Malaysia will ban the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes starting from August 1, 2025. The Malaysian E-Cigarette Merchant Association (Terengganu Chapter) estimates that its 169 members will face monthly losses of approximately RM 5 million (USD 1.15 million) and believes that the three-month buffer period is insufficient to deal with existing inventory or transition to new business models.

2.The association questions the legality of the state ban, arguing that regulations should be based on the federal government's Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act, rather than a complete ban on sales.

3.Previously, the Minister of Health reiterated that state and local governments have the authority to determine e-cigarette product sales policies.

According to Freemalaysiatoday's report on April 28th, the Terengganu state government in Malaysia plans to completely ban the sale of e-cigarettes and related products starting from August 1st, 2025, and simultaneously ban related advertisements. This move has raised widespread concerns within the local e-cigarette industry.

The Malaysian E-Cigarette Business Association's branch in Terengganu stated that the ban is expected to result in economic losses of up to 5 million ringgit (1.15 million USD) per month for its 169 members. The association's president, Kamaruzaman Mahmud, noted that the government's three-month grace period is insufficient for businesses to clear out their inventory or transition to other ventures. He emphasized that e-cigarette merchants need more time to prepare for business closures or transitions.

Kamaruzaman also questioned the state government's authority to enforce the ban, arguing that it contradicts the Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Act passed by the federal government last year. The act established a systematic regulatory framework for e-cigarette products and did not advocate for a complete ban.

"Banning sales is not the most effective way to prevent students from using e-cigarettes; instead, implementing strict regulations in accordance with federal government laws is more practical and responsible."

Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, the legislative member of the Johor State Assembly, announced that the state government will ban the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes starting from August 1.

In addition, the Chief Minister of Kedah, Muhammad Sanusi, stated that the state executive council will discuss next week whether to follow in the footsteps of Perak state in implementing a similar ban.

Malaysia's Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad stated on April 18 that the authority to issue licenses for e-cigarette sales lies with state and local governments. State governments have the power to establish relevant sales policies based on local tobacco control regulations.