Tobacco Asia

34 tobaccoasia Issue 2, 2026 March / April Vietnam's Vape Ban Malaysia is not alone. Vietnam likewise has banned the sale, possession, and use of e- cigarettes and heated tobacco products since March 1, following amendments to the country's Investment Law. The National Assembly added these products to the list of prohibited business activities, alongside narcotics and prostitution. The move was built on a 2025 resolution that outlawed production, trading, import, and use of such products. While transitional arrangements allow certain export-only projects that were ap- proved before January 1, 2025, domestic sales are now strictly forbidden. The World Health Or- ganization (WHO) welcomed the decision, warn- ing that exemptions would weaken enforcement and undermine Resolution 173. Vietnam's ban places it among the most restrictive markets in Asia, joining countries like Thailand and India that have already imposed outright prohibitions. And it will soon be joined by Malaysia, too, effec- tively expanding the illustrious circle even further. Citations: • The Straits Times (Malaysia vape ban statements) • The Star (Cabinet memorandum and expert committee recommendations) • CNA (impact on vape shops in Kuala Lumpur) A market in transition Industries rarely disappear overnight, and Malay- sia's vape sector is unlikely to be an exception. It's safe to assume that the market will adjust, with compliant businesses forced to exit and in- formal players filling the void. Investment and hiring are already being affected by uncertainty, and long-term planning has become difficult. As Kuzemko put it, "Regulatory change may re- shape the market, but it ultimately favors busi- nesses that are structured, accountable, and built for the long term." This transition will test the resilience of Malaysia's regulatory system. If the government can enforce the ban effectively, it may succeed in reducing youth access and protecting public health. If not, the country could unwittingly cre- ate a thriving black market that undermines both health and safety. The road ahead for malaysia's vape industry Malaysia's impending vape ban reflects a decisive public health stance, but its success will depend on enforcement and regulatory clarity. While com- panies like Airscream remain unaffected domes- tically, the broader industry faces existential chal- lenges. The coming months will reveal whether prohibition can truly curb youth access and pro- tect public health -- or whether it will simply drive the trade underground, repeating the cycle seen with illicit cigarettes. This inconsistency has fueled debate among consumers and advocacy groups. Many vapers ar- gue that they turned to e-cigarettes as a harm-re- duction tool, helping them quit smoking. By ban- ning vaping while allowing cigarettes to remain on the market, critics say, the government risks push- ing former smokers back to combustible tobacco. Enforcement challenges ahead Once the ban is enacted, enforcement will be a formidable challenge, of course. Malaysia has long struggled with illicit cigarette trade, and experts warn vaping could follow the very same path. Without strong accountability mechanisms in firm place, the prohibition may simply drive the indus- try underground. Airscream's Mykola Kuzemko underscored this point, noting that "legislation without clear accountability and consistent en- forcement often fails to achieve its intended out- comes." Malaysia's government will need to invest heavily in enforcement capacity, including cus- toms checks, retail inspections, and online moni- toring. Without these measures, the ban may turn symbolic rather than effective. The Airspops series is particularly popular in the UK. Credit Airscream UK Ltd. "Legislation without clear accountability and consistent enforcement often fails to achieve its intended outcomes." — Mykola Kuzemko, Airscream

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