In Malaysia, there is a growing call for authorities to adopt a strict stance on vaping similar to that of Singapore.

Current regulations in Malaysia do not ban the sale or use of e-vaporisers. Instead, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act focuses on regulating the sale, packaging, and labeling of tobacco products and smoking devices, including e-vaporisers.

Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh revealed that nearly 20,000 cases of students vaping in schools were reported in 2024.

On July 28, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad informed the Malaysian Parliament that there is a consideration for a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vapes.

Prior to this, Dzulkefly had mentioned to the media that the ministry's priority was to enhance controls, such as mandatory product registration, resulting in the removal of 80% of vapes and e-cigarette products from the market.

Singapore's Tough Stance on Vaping and Laced Vapes

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Aug 17 that Singapore would treat vaping as a drug issue, with stricter penalties.

Although vaping has been prohibited in Singapore since 2018, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized over $41 million worth of e-vaporisers and related components between January 2024 and March 2026.

Concerns have arisen about etomidate-laced vapes in Singapore, with reported health issues after usage.

Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam declared on July 30 that vapes would be regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act as an "interim measure".

Singapore has increased enforcement efforts, including imposing jail sentences and harsher punishments for those selling vapes with harmful substances.

HSA officers, along with the police, conducted anti-vaping checks on Aug 15. During the operations, 115 individuals aged 17 to 61 were apprehended for e-vaporiser-related offenses.

In subsequent operations on Aug 19 and 20 in Raffles Place and Haji Lane, HSA officers seized 82 e-vaporisers, including 62 heatsticks, and caught 18 individuals aged 24 to 48 for vape-related offenses.

Experts and Activists Urge Action in Malaysia

Malaysian Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni acknowledged the rise of vaping in Malaysia, especially among youth, during his World No Tobacco Day speech in July.

Figures from the National Health and Morbidity Survey indicated an increase in vape usage from 4.9% to 5.1% in 2023.

The Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) and other activists have called for Malaysia to address the vaping issue similarly to Singapore.

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged for a complete ban on vaping and e-cigarette products to prioritize public health.

Currently, six states in Malaysia have halted issuing and renewing licenses for electronic cigarettes.

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