Malaysia Tightens E-Cigarette Regulations, Expands Enforcement to Ads, Packaging, and Sales

Apr.25.2025
Malaysia Tightens E-Cigarette Regulations, Expands Enforcement to Ads, Packaging, and Sales
Malaysia’s Health Ministry has unveiled stricter e-cigarette regulations, covering registration, advertising, packaging, and display—aimed at protecting minors. The health minister noted the rules are dynamic and will be updated as new evidence arises. As for calls for a total ban, he said that falls under local government authority.

Main points of interest: 

·The Malaysian Ministry of Health has announced increased enforcement measures on e-cigarettes and tobacco products under the "Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Act 2024" (Act 852). 

·The framework includes regulations on registration, advertising, packaging, and display of e-cigarette products. 

·The Health Minister stated that the law is subject to "dynamic adjustments" based on evidence and demand, with the authority to review and amend as needed in the future. 

·The ban on e-cigarettes falls under the jurisdiction of local governments, with no central level prohibition currently in place. 


According to a report by Bharian on April 24, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) will intensify enforcement and monitoring efforts on e-cigarettes and tobacco products to prevent minors from accessing such products.

 

Minister of Health, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, stated at the 2024 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) nutrition forum that enforcement measures will cover various aspects such as product registration, advertising, packaging labels, and sales displays, explicitly prohibiting sales to minors.

 

"I must emphasize that both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products are subject to strict regulation under Act 852, aimed at upholding public health."

 

In response to the recent call from the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, Health Minister, Dr. Zulkifli responded that such a ban falls within the jurisdiction of local governments and municipal councils (PBT), and is not under the purview of the central Ministry of Health.

 

The background of CAP's appeal is a recent social event: a high school student in Pahang suspected of experiencing a seizure due to vaping an e-cigarette, was rushed to the hospital, sparking public attention.

 

In terms of the future adaptability of regulations, Zulkifli emphasized that Act 852 serves as a "dynamic and living law" with the potential to be amended based on emerging evidence and societal needs.

 

"I am open to revisiting relevant laws, especially when it comes to issues involving underage groups."

 

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

Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its first estimate of the illicit nicotine market, finding that about 80% of cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products consumed in 2025 came from illegal sources, reigniting debate over tobacco taxation and enforcement policies.
Jun.03
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 5, 2026 that it authorized the marketing of four Glas electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. The authorized products are Classic Menthol, Fresh Menthol, Gold and Sapphire pods, each containing 50mg/ml, or 5%, tobacco-derived nicotine.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Warns Retailers Over Unauthorized Nicotine Pouches Resembling Candy and Everyday Products
FDA Warns Retailers Over Unauthorized Nicotine Pouches Resembling Candy and Everyday Products
The FDA issued warning letters to eight retailers selling unauthorized nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco products resembling candy, breath strips and cough drops. The action highlights rising scrutiny of packaging, youth appeal and accidental ingestion risks, as the agency clarifies enforcement priorities for unauthorized ENDS and nicotine pouch products while maintaining PMTA as the legal market pathway.
Special Report
May.21
AHA Journal Study: WS-23 Triples Premature Heartbeats, Raising Concerns Over Vape Cooling Agents
AHA Journal Study: WS-23 Triples Premature Heartbeats, Raising Concerns Over Vape Cooling Agents
A University of Louisville research team published a study in an American Heart Association journal suggesting that synthetic cooling agents used in e-cigarettes, including WS-3 and WS-23, may disrupt cardiac electrical activity and increase arrhythmia risk. In animal experiments, WS-23 tripled premature heartbeats.
Jun.16
PMI U.S. Launches America250 Initiative, Introduces Limited-Edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can
PMI U.S. Launches America250 Initiative, Introduces Limited-Edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can
PMI U.S. launched its America250 initiative on June 1 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. As part of the program, the company introduced a limited-edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can and released an IQOS U.S. Edition device. Beyond product-related activities, the initiative also includes innovation funding, nationwide events and community engagement programs.
PMI
Jun.05
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
A meeting was held at the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan with representatives of British American Tobacco Uzbekistan. Participants included the department’s leadership, the Inspectorate for Regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Market, and business representatives.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai