The cost of treating e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (Evali) cases is higher than the revenue collected from excise duty on smoking products, says the Health Ministry.
According to data from the Finance Ministry, excise duty on nicotine-containing liquid or gel used in electronic cigarettes or vape products has been imposed since Apr 1, 2023, at a rate of 40 sen per millilitre.
“The total revenue collected from April 2023 to August 2025 amounted to RM209.5mil.
“This figure is lower than the estimated cost of treating Evali patients, which amounted to RM223.5mil in 2024, with an average treatment cost of RM150,892 per patient and an average hospital stay of 12 days,” said the Health Ministry.
It said that in the 11 months since the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act on Oct 1, 2024, the ministry recorded six cases of serious lung complications identified as Evali.
“Overall, from 2019 to September 2025, the Health Ministry has recorded 46 cases of Evali,” it said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor the health effects of vape use and strengthen control measures through the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
The reply was in response to a question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) on the number of Evali cases since the enforcement of Act 852 and the total revenue collected from nicotine tax between April 2023 and September 2025.
On the development of the proposed Social Work Profession Bill, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said it would apply to both private sector practitioners and public servants who carry out social work outside their official duties.
“This provision reflects the government’s intention to accommodate the views of all stakeholders as much as possible,” she said in reply to a question from Rodziah Ismail (PH-Ampang).
Nancy said engagement sessions had been held with state governments, corporate entities, academics and non-governmental organisations.
“As a result, my ministry received and considered various feedback, including issues related to the definition of social work and the applicability of the Bill to practitioners in both the public and private sectors.
“My ministry has decided that the best approach for now is to reassess and review the need for policy adjustments and their feasibility,” she said.
She said a detailed explanation of the regulatory mechanisms and scope of implementation could only be provided once the policy decisions are finalised.
The Social Work Profession Bill, which was delayed from being tabled in the last sitting, has been advocated by social work groups as key to defining professional roles, ensuring competency and addressing shortages of qualified workers.
