Malaysia Collected US$50.07 million in Vape Tax Since April 2023

Nov.06

Malaysia collected RM209.5 million(US$50.07 million) in excise duty on nicotine-containing vape liquids and gels from April 2023 to August 2025, according to Finance Ministry data. However, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said RM223.5 million was spent treating EVALI patients in the past year alone, exceeding the tax revenue.

Key Points

The government collected RM209.5 million(US$50.07 million) in excise duty from nicotine vape products between April 2023 and August 2025.
Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported RM223.5 million(US$53.42 million) spent on EVALI treatment in the past year.
The average treatment cost per patient was RM150,892.11, with a 12-day hospitalisation period.
Since the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act took effect on Oct 1, 2024, six severe EVALI cases have been recorded.
From 2019 to September 2025, 46 EVALI cases were reported nationwide. The ministry will continue to strengthen control measures.

According to Finance Ministry data, Malaysia collected RM209.5 million(approximately US$50.07 million) in excise duty on nicotine-containing liquids and gels used in vapes and e-cigarettes from April 2023 to August 2025.

However, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the amount is lower than the RM223.5 million(US$53.42 million) spent on treating patients suffering from e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the past year.

“The average treatment cost per EVALI patient is RM150,892.11, with an average hospitalisation period of 12 days,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Datuk Alias Razak (PN–Kuala Nerus).

Alias had asked for the total excise duty collected on nicotine between April 2023 and September 2023, and how it compared to treatment costs for EVALI patients during the same period.

The excise duty on nicotine-containing vape liquids and gels was introduced on April 1, 2023, at a rate of 40 sen per millilitre.

Dzulkefly added that since the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 came into effect on Oct 1 last year, six severe EVALI-related lung complications have been reported up to September this year.

“Overall, from 2019 to September this year, the ministry has recorded 46 EVALI cases nationwide. The ministry will continue to monitor the impact of vape use on public health and strengthen control measures through full enforcement of the act,” he said.

Image Source:New Straits Times

References:

[1] Vape tax brings in RM209.5mil, but EVALI treatment costs hit RM223.5mil - Dzulkefly

Also Read:

[1] Malaysia CID Endorses Nationwide Vape Ban Amid Rising Drug-Laced Vape Cases

[2] Malaysia Ministry of Health to submit proposal to Cabinet for comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, measures set to combat smuggling and black market

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