The Rise of E-cigarette Usage in Malaysia: A Study

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.16.2024
The Rise of E-cigarette Usage in Malaysia: A Study
Malaysia sees a 600% increase in e-cigarette users over 12 years, according to Global Adult Tobacco Survey data.

According to a report by Malaysian media outlet TheStar on May 16, data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey released in 2023 shows that the number of e-cigarette users in Malaysia has increased by 600% over the past 12 years. The survey also found that the percentage of e-cigarette users in the age group of 15 to 24 years old has increased from 1.1% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2023.

 

In Malaysia, the use of e-cigarettes has sharply increased. According to a study, the usage rate of e-cigarettes in 2023 was 5.8%, compared to just 0.8% in 2011, representing a growth of over 600%.

 

A survey has revealed that overall, 68.1% of adults have heard of e-cigarettes, with 8.9% (10.5% males, 0.8% females) having tried them, and 5.8% currently using them.

 

The data comes from the main results of the "2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey" and the "2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey of Malaysia," both of which were just released on May 16th. The results show that the cessation and health behaviors among adults who have tried to quit smoking in the past 12 months, as well as those who are currently smoking, have remained consistent. However, the study also found that the number of people exposed to tobacco in the home, workplace, and public transportation has significantly decreased from 2011 to 2023.

 

A report shows that there are 4.8 million adult smokers in Malaysia, with 3.7 million (14.6%) of adults smoking every day. Although the proportion of daily adult smokers has significantly decreased from 2011 to 2023, the survey emphasizes that more efforts must be put into addressing other challenges related to tobacco use, especially in areas such as secondhand smoke exposure, tobacco prices, and the growth of e-cigarette usage.

 

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

Malaysia Police Plan Saliva Tests at Roadblocks to Detect Synthetic Drugs Mixed Into Vape Liquids
Malaysia Police Plan Saliva Tests at Roadblocks to Detect Synthetic Drugs Mixed Into Vape Liquids
Malaysian police plan to use saliva test kits at roadblocks to detect drivers using synthetic liquid drugs marketed as “Piu Piu” and “Magic Mushroom,” substances that authorities say are mixed into vape liquids and inhaled through e-cigarette devices, raising road-safety concerns and adding pressure on vape regulation.
Jun.29
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
A new Virginia law that took effect on July 1, 2026, requires retailers to obtain permits to sell liquid nicotine, vape and tobacco products, while directing Virginia ABC to conduct inspections and verify that stores sell only products listed in the state directory.
Jul.20
Canada Vape Enforcement Action Puts VAPME Website, Trademark and China Supply-Chain Links in Focus
Canada Vape Enforcement Action Puts VAPME Website, Trademark and China Supply-Chain Links in Focus
Quebec police seized about 300,000 suspected illegal vape products and froze more than C$1.8 million in funds. Local media said vapme.ca, a website selling flavoured vape products, was shut down during the operation.
Regulations
Jun.18
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece have opposed Ireland’s proposed nicotine product regulations, arguing that the measures could affect EU market coordination and the free movement of products. Ireland plans to introduce stricter rules covering nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches, with measures involving packaging, marketing and sales controls. The dispute highlights differences among EU member states between stronger public health protections and maintaining regulatory consistency within the bloc’s single market.
Jul.29
Product | JT Launches Ploom AURA Glacier White in Japan, Expanding the Device Ecosystem Through Color and Accessories
Product | JT Launches Ploom AURA Glacier White in Japan, Expanding the Device Ecosystem Through Color and Accessories
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has introduced the Ploom AURA Glacier White heated tobacco device in Japan, adding a new color option to the existing Ploom AURA lineup. The device maintains the existing SMART HEATFLOW technology and HEAT SELECT SYSTEM with four heating modes, while expanding the ecosystem through new accessories including front panels, back covers, a car holder and wireless charging covers. The product entered pre-sale in Japan on June 30, 2026, followed by broader retail availability from July 7.
Aug.03
Vietnam’s Vape Crackdown Expands From Ban Proposal to Grassroots Enforcement
Vietnam’s Vape Crackdown Expands From Ban Proposal to Grassroots Enforcement
Vietnam tightens e-cigarette rules. Health Ministry proposes banning production, trade, transport, storage, ads, promotion, sponsorship, and use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and new products. Hanoi also urges residents to report illegal activities, showing enforcement moves from lawmaking to local action.
Jul.08