Malaysia

US-listed vaping technology and manufacturing company Ispire Technology reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue of $27.5 million on November 9, 2026, down 9.3% year over year but up 3.2% sequentially. Gross margin recovered to 16.2%, while its net loss widened to $6.4 million from $3.3 million a year earlier. Management attributed the sales decline primarily to tighter European vaping regulation and reduced distributor orders. Ispire is expanding manufacturing in Malaysia and negotiating an OEM/ODM agreement with a Southeast Asian vaping brand, with an announcement anticipated in January 2027. The company estimates that Malaysian manufacturing offers an approximately 25% US tariff advantage over China-based production. However, it continues to purchase products from Shenzhen Yi Jia Technology Co., Ltd., a manufacturer controlled by its chairman, and reported $52 million in non-current related-party payables at September 30.

Malaysia's Poisons Board has endorsed Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad's proposal to exempt liquid nicotine used in vaping products from the Poisons List, according to a November 2, 2026, report by CodeBlue. The Board unanimously opposed a similar proposal in 2023, but the government proceeded with the exemption. The Kuala Lumpur High Court invalidated the 2023 decision in May 2026, and the government withdrew its appeal in August. No new ministerial order has been published. The development raises questions about the interaction between Malaysia's two regulatory frameworks and the treatment of RM354.51 million in excise duties collected on e-cigarette and vape products between May 2023 and June 11, 2026.

Health Ministry prepares to reconsider nationwide e-cigarette ban in Malaysia, with strict regulations already leading to 80% products removed.

Malaysia urged to strengthen enforcement of Public Health Act 2024 for e-cigarettes instead of considering a total ban.

Malaysia parents fear as rumors of illegal drugs in e-cigarettes sold to minors spark calls for stricter regulations.

E-cigarette smuggling ring busted in Malaysia, highlighting health crisis from nicotine substances in illegal products.

At the Malaysia Electronics Supplier Summit hosted by Philip Morris Malaysia (PMM), IntreTech was awarded the "2024 Outstanding Supplier of the Year"

Malaysia's Local Government Minister announced plans to collaborate with the Health Ministry to refine vape regulations and push for nationwide standards. This follows a suggestion by the Sultan of Pahang to impose a complete ban on vapes to address youth substance abuse issues.