SHAH ALAM, Oct 7 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has suggested that taxes on e-cigarettes or vape be increased from 40 sen to RM4/ml of nicotine, before the vape sale ban takes effect.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the proposal has been submitted to the Finance Ministry (MOF) for inclusion into Budget 2026.
“One cigarette is 10 puffs, one box of cigarettes is 200 puffs, 1ml of vape liquid is 100 puffs.
“The tax rate suggested for vape liquid, from 40 sen to RM40 per ml as suggested by the MOH, is hoped to be accepted by the MOF,” he said.
Lukanisman was answering an additional question from Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) in Parliament today about whether the MOH will suggest a vape tax hike through Budget 2026 as a short-term measure before the vape sale ban is enforced.
He said the MOH will submit a memorandum for the enforcement of the ban on e-cigarettes to the Cabinet this year.
“We tried to draft the Generational Endgame Bill previously, but MPs were divided on the full ban of vaping.
“Thus Act 852 (Control of Smoking Products For Public Health Act 2024) was created, and we want to use this act to consistently implement strict enforcement,” Lukanisman said in reply to another question from Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang).
Lukanisman added that the government spent RM223 million in 2024 to treat e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injuries, also known as Evali.
“In terms of revenue, vape tax collection in 2024 was RM111 million. This shows the health cost burden is far above fiscal benefits.
“The ban will be implemented in stages with enforcement, education and community support as important components.
“NGO and community roles will also be mobilised to lower (nicotine) demand and shape behavioural changes,” Lukanisman concluded.
