Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy Responds to 2Firsts: "Cassette-Style" E-cigs May Be Banned, Tobacco Products Prohibited from Public Display

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS
Oct.15.2024
Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy Responds to 2Firsts: "Cassette-Style" E-cigs May Be Banned, Tobacco Products Prohibited from Public Display
From the implementation of Malaysia's Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024, e-cigarette industry faces strict regulations.

Since the announcement of the official implementation of the "2024 Public Health Smoking Control Act" (Act 852) by the Malaysian Ministry of Health on October 1st, 2Firsts has been closely monitoring market dynamics in Malaysia and maintaining close contact with local e-cigarette organizations .

 

Regarding the latest developments in Malaysia's new smoking regulations, Rizani bin Zakaria, the president of the Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA), revealed to 2Firsts that the Ministry of Health recently held a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) meeting for e-cigarette industry participants to brief them on Act 852.

 

Rizani told 2Firsts that the Ministry of Health emphasized during the meeting the need to implement restrictions on the content of e-liquid as soon as possible, but there is no specific implementation time yet. Meanwhile, shops selling tobacco and e-cigarette products are required to prominently display signs stating "e-cigarettes or tobacco sold here" and are prohibited from publicly displaying related products.

 

According to reports, the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is a legally binding treaty aimed at improving public health by addressing the tobacco epidemic, with Malaysia being one of the member countries. The conference was organized by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and focused on discussing the implementation of Act 852 and its relevant regulations for e-cigarette vendors.

 

Rizani told 2Firsts that the main topics of discussion at the meeting were as follows:

 

  • New restricted area for smoke and vape. 
  • This new order, anyone who smoke or vape within the area can be fine maximum to 5k.
  • Vape shop or any shop selling tobacco product and vape cannot display open anymore. More to closed all product to be seen by public. Just show the sticker " Vape or Tobacco Sell Here".
  • Vape cannot sell anymore in foodtruck style, street market or similiar open place, only Vape shop or premises only and cannot be seing inside.  Mean only put the sticker " Vape or Tobacco Product Sell Here".
  • For bottle ejuice, its only allowed for 15ml only.
  • For any Pod vape , it will be allow for only 3ml to 2ml only. No more fancy design for vape product such as disposable with big puff and child attrack design.
  • All vape involved ejuice , must be registered with Ministry of Health with certified lab test for safety approval. 
  • All cost will be reveal after this. Time and period for progress.

 

It was noted by 2Firsts that among the products mentioned by Rezani as being banned due to their overly flashy design, included the "cartridge-style" e-cigarette that is extremely popular in the Malaysian market. Prior to this, during a visit to the Malaysian market , several retail store employees mentioned that ASDF's Vapetape Unplug was the best-selling product. This product's design closely resembles a cassette tape.

 

When referring to "cassette-style" e-cigarette products, Razani also mentioned that despite their popularity, they are now facing a ban.

 

Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy Responds to 2Firsts:
Banned products displayed at FCTC conference | Source: Rizani

 

Regarding the new smoking regulations implemented by the Malaysian Ministry of Health, Rizani stated:

 

"Vape Industry Player are very happy for goverment to approve legal way to do the business. But there is till few things that make Vape Industry hard to comply. Like registered cost at MYR5k per flavour, another lab test cost and also tax.Its really high cost for Industry to follow ."

 

"We hope goverment can give some space for all vape brand or vape owner to have chance to comply with lowest cost for starting."

 

"Only few things that we ask but i don't think they will change it."

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

CCPIT Says Trade Friction Index for China-Related Electronics Sector Remains High, With Vape Products Among Areas of Focus
CCPIT Says Trade Friction Index for China-Related Electronics Sector Remains High, With Vape Products Among Areas of Focus
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) held its July regular press conference on July 31, 2026, releasing the May 2026 Global Economic and Trade Friction Index. CCPIT spokesperson Yang Fan said the global trade friction index stood at 95 in May, remaining at a medium-to-high level. By industry, the electronics sector recorded the highest trade friction index among 13 monitored industries. In China-related trade frictions, the index stood at 93, with electronics products including drones, chips and vape products among areas where friction remained elevated.
Aug.03
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
A Scottish government impact assessment estimates that proposed vape display and packaging rules could create up to £61 million ($82 million) in compliance costs for businesses, affecting more than 11,000 retail outlets. The estimated costs are mainly linked to inventory adjustments, retail storage changes and the resources required for businesses to understand and implement the new requirements. The measures form part of the UK’s broader efforts to tighten vape regulation, particularly around product displays, packaging and sales practices.
Aug.10
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
Ahead of the Formula 1 race in Madrid, 67 Spanish and international public-health, medical and consumer organizations have sent an open letter to F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali calling for an end to sponsorships linked to the tobacco and nicotine industry, including nicotine pouches, vaping products and heated tobacco. The letter focuses on Philip Morris International’s ZYN partnership with Ferrari and British American Tobacco’s long-running partnership with McLaren and exposure for VELO. The campaign follows a March letter in which more than 160 organizations worldwide made a similar request to Formula 1.
Sep.10
Germany Probes 7.6 Million Illegal Vape Case With Estimated €33.3 Million Tax Loss; Four Chinese Manufacturer Employees Under Investigation, Some Packaging in Enforcement Images Resembles FUMOT Products
Germany Probes 7.6 Million Illegal Vape Case With Estimated €33.3 Million Tax Loss; Four Chinese Manufacturer Employees Under Investigation, Some Packaging in Enforcement Images Resembles FUMOT Products
German prosecutors and customs authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into an alleged cross-border organised vape network. Authorities say that between January 2024 and March 2025, four employees of an unnamed Chinese e-cigarette manufacturer allegedly built a network of sales agents and wholesalers that brought more than 7.6 million nicotine disposable vapes into Germany, causing an estimated €33.3 million in excise-tax losses. The manufacturer has not been named. Some products visible in enforcement images have packaging resembling products from FUMOT’s portfolio. European regulatory records from 2024, FUMOT’s public overseas-sales materials and records involving German vape importer and distribution company Zamu-Pro GmbH also show FUMOT/RandM products and German distribution activity during the period covered by the investigation.
Sep.21
UK HMRC Issues One-Month Countdown Warning, Urges Vape Businesses to Prepare for New Tax Rules
UK HMRC Issues One-Month Countdown Warning, Urges Vape Businesses to Prepare for New Tax Rules
The UK’s Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme will take effect on October 1, 2026. All vaping liquids manufactured in or imported into the UK will face a flat excise duty of £2.20 per 10ml, whether or not they contain nicotine. Newly manufactured or imported products released onto the UK market from October 1 will require a valid duty stamp, while eligible existing unstamped inventory can continue to be sold through March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, all vaping products outside duty suspension must carry a valid stamp.
Sep.03
Former Roche Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Communications Director Ria Kioupritzi Joins PMI as Scientific Affairs Director
Former Roche Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Communications Director Ria Kioupritzi Joins PMI as Scientific Affairs Director
Eleftheria (Ria) Kioupritzi, a biopharmaceutical professional with more than 15 years of experience, has joined Philip Morris International as Director Scientific Affairs within Corporate Affairs. She previously served at Roche as Senior Scientific Communications Director for Neuroscience and Rare Diseases and worked extensively in spinal muscular atrophy. Her earlier career also covered competitive intelligence, clinical and regulatory monitoring, pipeline development and launch preparation. During her time working in Roche's SMA field, Evrysdi passed through several U.S. FDA milestones, including its initial approval, an expanded indication for younger infants and approval of a tablet formulation. Public records do not show that Kioupritzi herself led the FDA submissions.
Sep.22