Malaysia to Remove Unregistered Vaping Products by October, Says Health Ministry

Key Points:

1.The Malaysian Ministry of Health is conducting registration assessments on new tobacco products, including e-cigarette products, with approval expected to be completed by October 1 this year. 

2.The Ministry of Health in Malaysia emphasizes that unregistered products will not be allowed to be sold in the market. 

3.Local authorities will strictly enforce regulations on shop distances to ensure public health and safety.

According to a report from Kuala Lumpur on June 9, the Malaysian Ministry of Health is reviewing registration applications for new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2024 (Act 852). Dr. Hairul Nizam Abd Hamid, Senior Assistant Director of the Disease Control Division at the Ministry of Health, stated that the registration window will be open from October 2024 to April 2025, and the evaluation process is currently underway. Approval is expected to be completed by October 1st of this year.

Dr. Haru stated at a public briefing on Bill 852, which is being collaborated on with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

'We have not yet approved any product registrations. As of October 1st, any unregistered products will not be allowed to be marketed."

He added that several e-cigarette products are currently under review, and once approved, these products will be sold through authorized channels such as convenience stores or licensed tobacco shops.

Dr. Haru emphasized that all retail outlets, including convenience stores or electronic stores, must ensure that the tobacco products they sell are registered with the Health Department. He pointed out that:

"Shops that have not obtained certification from the Ministry of Health may be denied a business license by local authorities such as DBKL."

Furthermore, he reminded local authorities that retail store permit approvals must comply with existing spatial distance regulations.

Meanwhile, Haru pointed out that all tobacco products intended to be imported, manufactured, or distributed in Malaysia must first obtain registration and approval from the Ministry of Health. If unregistered products are found in the market, they will not be allowed to be manufactured, imported, or distributed in any form. He further explained that all registered products must be accompanied by laboratory test reports and will undergo rigorous screening to exclude banned or suspicious substances. He added:

"If the product contains any suspicious ingredients, we will immediately reject it."

According to Act 852, the Department of Health is responsible for licensing tobacco products, including production, advertising, distribution, and sales, but not including "equipment". Matters related to e-cigarette devices are handled by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN), which involves Sirim certification (Malaysia's only certification management agency).

When implementing Law 852, the government did not establish an additional agency outside of the Department of Health to license tobacco products, reflecting the priority of public health.

During the briefing, Dr. Haru also confirmed that Ispire Malaysia, the Malaysian branch of Ispire Technology Company, has not submitted any product registration applications to the Ministry of Health. The company manufactures cannabis and nicotine vapor products in Malaysia for export, with reports indicating that their locally produced products are not intended for the domestic market.

When asked if Ispire Malaysia also produces e-liquid besides devices, Dr. Haru replied:

"As I mentioned, we will reject any products that contain suspicious ingredients. However, since the company has not submitted any registration applications, we are unable to know the ingredients in their products."