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

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.

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."