KUALA LUMPUR: The health and economic cost burden due to diseases related to vape use is estimated to reach RM369mil a year, far exceeding the amount of revenue from excise duty collected from vape products, says the Health Ministry.
However, the ministry said the collection of excise duty from vape products is not a justification for allowing their sale in the market.
In 2023, the total collection from excise duty on electronic cigarettes or vape products amounted to RM80.32mil.
The collection increased to RM111.14mil in 2024 and RM118.93mil in 2025, it said.
“For the period from Jan 1 to June 11 this year, the collection was at RM44.11mil, bringing the total excise duty collection for these products to RM354.51mil,” the ministry said in a written reply at Dewan Negara.
The ministry was responding to a question from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew on the proposed vape ban, the total tax revenue collection and justification for allowing its sale despite high health risks.
The ministry said it is strengthening control over high-risk products including examining the proposal to ban bottled e-cigarette or vape liquids due to the high risk of being mixed with drugs and prohibited substances.
It said any official decision including a proposal for a more comprehensive ban will continue to be evaluated based on scientific evidence, current data and public health interests.
According to the ministry, for now, the government is focused on the implementation and enforcement of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for all smoking products including vaping.
It said priority is given to the enforcement of Act 852, specifically to protect minors and individuals under the age of 18.
Strict regulatory approach through Act 852 is taken to reduce access and use of smoking products to ensure the protection of public health, especially among children and adolescents, the ministry said.
