The average treatment cost for a single patient suffering from EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) in Malaysia is estimated at RM150,892.11, with an average hospital stay of 12 days, according to a written parliamentary reply by the Health Minister.
Following the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) on October 1, 2024, six serious lung complication cases identified as EVALI were reported up to September this year. In total, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded 46 EVALI cases since 2019.
The minister revealed that in 2024 alone, the estimated treatment cost for EVALI patients reached RM223.5 million, exceeding the total vape nicotine tax revenue of RM209.5 million collected between April 2023 and August 2025.
“The high treatment cost highlights the significant financial burden placed on the Ministry of Health due to diseases linked to vape and e-cigarette use,” the minister said.
According to data from the Ministry of Finance (MOF), an excise duty of 40 sen per milliliter was imposed on nicotine-based liquids or gels beginning April 1, 2023, generating RM209.5 million in revenue up to August 2025.
However, the EVALI treatment cost for 2024 alone (RM223.5 million) has already surpassed that amount, underscoring the strain vaping-related illnesses place on the healthcare system.
The issue was raised by Datuk Dr Alias Razak (Kuala Nerus), who asked the Health Minister for updated EVALI statistics post-enforcement of Act 852 and a comparison between nicotine tax revenue and treatment costs.
MOH affirmed it will continue monitoring the public health impact of vaping and strengthen control measures under the new Act.
