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

Apr.25

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."

References:

[1] KKM sedia semak Akta 852 jika kawalan rokok elektronik dan vape belum berkesan

Also Read:

[1] Malaysian Deputy Chief of Police calls for ban on e-cigarettes

[2] Malaysia Health Ministry Warns Shops Violating Tobacco Display Ban

[3] Malaysia to impose tobacco display ban in multiple states

[4] Rising Concerns Over Youth E-Cigarette Use in Penang

[5] Malaysian Students Face Punishment for Repeated Use of E-cigarettes

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