PETALING JAYA: Child rights activists and health experts urge the government to implement a nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes to curb rising underage vaping.
In a statement signed by 40 health and child rights professionals, there is also a plea for the government to reinstate the Generational End Game (GEG) to achieve a smoke-free generation.
"The Malaysian government has delayed the need for a vape ban. Despite numerous calls for a complete ban on health and social grounds, the government continues to focus on regulation and enforcement," said Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS, consultant paediatrician and child disability activist.
The group said that while the government has opted to regulate the industry, introducing an excise duty on nicotine-containing vape liquids in 2023 which has generated RM141.1mil in tax revenue between 2021 and 2024, the financial gains do not justify the public health risks.
"The government seems more concerned about upsetting the vape industry than protecting our youth. We are normalising vape use among children while ignoring its dangers,” said Dr Amar.
Malaysia’s vape industry is estimated to be worth RM3.5bil, involving many small and medium enterprises in retail and manufacturing.
Dr Amar noted that over half a million teenagers are estimated to be vaping, with the number increasing daily.
He cited the 2022 National Health & Morbidity Survey (NHMS), which found that among school students aged 13–17, 14.9% used e-cigarettes or vapes (23.3% male and 6.2% female).
"This suggests that of the approximately 2.7 million children aged 13–17 in 2022, around 400,000 were vaping.
"Today, that number has likely surpassed 500,000 and continues to grow rapidly. In addition, the 2023 NHMS and 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey found that 5–5.8% of adults were also using electronic cigarettes," he said.
Dr Amar said access to and promotion of vape products among young people is widespread, with such products often sold near school premises.
"Even primary school students are showing interest in vaping. Most youths think it is 'cool' and probably harmless, especially since the government has chosen not to ban it."
While calling for a ban, Dr Amar acknowledged that without robust enforcement and harm reduction strategies, the move could create a black market.
"This black market could lead to the circulation of unregulated products with greater health risks and potentially revive conventional smoking," he warned.
The group also advocated for public awareness campaigns, education, and stricter regulations and enforcement once a ban is in place.
"This would include ongoing, comprehensive public health campaigns to educate youth about the risks of vaping.
"We also need enhanced enforcement against illicit sales, including those via informal, online, and cross-border channels. Additionally, there should be support strategies for adults who have switched from cigarettes to vaping, to help them quit smoking altogether."
The group highlighted that Malaysia’s stance on vaping contrasts starkly with that of several Asean countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, and Laos, where vaping has long been outlawed.
Domestically, concerns have also emerged over illicit substances in vape liquids.
Several state governments have taken independent action, such as Terengganu and Perlis, which will implement statewide bans from August 1, while Johor, Kelantan, and Kedah have halted the issuance of new licences for vape retailers.
Selangor and Penang are currently deliberating similar measures.
However, in the absence of a federal ban, vape products remain widely accessible through online platforms and informal channels.
