Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1544088
30 tobaccoasia Issue 2, 2026 March / April By Thomas Schmid Malaysia is on the brink of a sweeping prohibition on vaping, with the government confirming that the ban will take effect sometime between mid-2026 and the end of that year at the latest. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has stressed that the decision is inevitable, declaring that the question is no longer "if" but "when." This looming policy shift is set to reshape the country's nicotine landscape, disrupt a thriving industry, and raise pressing questions about enforcement, public health, and consumer demand. A government determined to act The Health Ministry has made it clear that the cabinet has agreed in principle to a nationwide ban. Dzulkefly Ahmad told Singapore's The Straits Times newspaper that the policy reflects grow- ing concerns over vaping's impact on public health, particularly among youth. He emphasized that the ban will be phased, beginning with open-system devices before extending to all vape products. Local media such as The Star daily newspaper reported that an expert committee has already submitted recommendations, and the ministry is preparing a cabinet memorandum to push the ban forward. The phased approach is the result of the government's recognition that vaping has become deeply entrenched in Malaysian society. By targeting open systems first, regulators hope to curb the availability of customizable devices that allow users to manipulate nicotine levels and flavors, which are particularly popular among younger consumers. Malaysia Vape Ban: A Nation at the Crossroads With vapes soon being outlawed in Malaysia, the country joins a growing number of its Southeast Asian neighbors. A vape ban in Malaysia appears inevitable, despite the sector's rapid growth in recent years and its contributions to employment and tax revenue.