The Ministry of Health (MOH) estimates that illnesses linked to vaping cost Malaysia around RM369 million annually, far exceeding the revenue collected from excise duties on vape products.
However, the ministry stressed that the excise duty collected from vape products should not be used to justify allowing their sale in the market.
According to a written reply published on the Dewan Negara website on Wednesday, the government collected RM80.32 million in vape excise duties in 2023, rising to RM111.14 million in 2024 and RM118.93 million in 2025.
From Jan 1 to June 11 this year, vape excise duty collections totalled RM44.11 million, bringing the cumulative revenue since the tax was introduced to RM354.51 million.
The ministry was responding to a question from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, who asked about the government’s plans to ban vape products, the amount of tax collected, and the justification for allowing their sale despite their health risks.
MOH said it is strengthening regulations on high-risk tobacco products, including reviewing a proposal to ban refillable bottled vape liquids, citing concerns that they can be mixed with drugs and other prohibited substances.
It added that any decision on a broader vape ban will be based on scientific evidence, current data, and public health considerations.
For now, the government remains focused on enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which provides a comprehensive regulatory framework covering all smoking products, including vape products.
The ministry said enforcement efforts are prioritised to protect individuals under the age of 18, with the law prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of smoking products by minors.
MOH said the stricter regulatory approach under Act 852 aims to reduce access to and use of smoking products, particularly among children and teenagers, in order to better safeguard public health.
