Outlawing Vapes: Protecting Youth or Driving Them Underground?
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Malaysia is at a crossroads. The Health Ministry is pushing for a nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, citing growing health concerns and rising youth usage. But critics warn that prohibition could ignite a thriving black market, making vaping not only more common but far more dangerous.
Banning Vapes
A technical committee has been in talks with four major ministries—the Ministry of Finance, Domestic Trade, Investment, and the Attorney General’s Chambers—to examine the feasibility of an outright ban. This move follows heightened public health campaigns against vaping, which has surged in popularity among Malaysian teens and young adults.
The proposed ban would build upon Act 852, legislation already in force to regulate vape products, advertising, age restrictions, and online sales. However, unlike regulation, a full ban would make the sale and use of all vape products illegal nationwide.
The Black Market Risk
Industry experts and health advocates caution that outlawing vapes won’t eliminate demand—it will only eliminate safe access.
In states like Johor and Kelantan, where bans have existed since 2015 and 2016, respectively, usage has barely slowed. Johor alone still has an estimated 150,000 active users, while Kelantan has over 30,000. Without legal options, users often turn to underground sellers, where safety standards don’t exist.
Danger in Unregulated Products
Confiscated black-market vapes in Malaysia have already tested positive for illicit substances, including methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids. Globally, countries that have banned vaping entirely often see a surge in counterfeit, untested products, many containing toxic chemicals.
Instead of eliminating harm, bans risk multiplying it.
The Malaysian vape industry is worth an estimated RM3.48 billion and supports over 31,500 jobs nationwide. A sudden ban would devastate these livelihoods and push economic activity into untraceable, untaxed underground channels.
The Case for Regulation Over Prohibition
Advocates argue that the smarter move is tighter enforcement of Act 852 rather than outright prohibition. This could include:
Strict licensing for vape retailers
Regular product safety testing
Aggressive crackdowns on sales to minors
Bans on misleading marketing targeting youth
By regulating rather than banning, Malaysia could protect young people, preserve legitimate businesses, and avoid fuelling illegal markets.
Countries like Australia, Thailand, and Singapore have faced similar dilemmas. In each case, bans created a robust illegal trade that proved difficult to police. Public health experts now emphasize the importance of harm reduction policies—allowing regulated products while educating the public on risks.
Will banning vapes make Malaysia healthier, or will it push the problem underground where it’s harder to control? The answer could shape public health policy for years to come.
References:
Tobacco Reporter – “Malaysian Government Weighs Nationwide Vape Ban”https://tobaccoreporter.com/2025/07/29/malaysian-government-weighs-nationwide-vape-ban/
Ecigator – “Malaysia Vape Ban: Industry Rejects Prohibition”https://ecigator.com/news/malaysia-vape-ban-industry-rejects/
Malay Mail – “Vape Groups Warn Total Ban in Malaysia Will Fuel Black Market”https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/02/vape-groups-warn-total-ban-in-malaysia-will-fuel-black-market-not-cut-demand/185914
Channel News Asia – “Malaysia Ready to Revisit Vape, E-Cigarette Ban”https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-ready-revisit-vape-ecigaratte-ban-health-minister-4915751
The Uncommon Breed
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