KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — The health and economic cost burden due to diseases related to vape use is estimated to reach about RM369 million per year, far exceeding the amount of excise duty revenue collected by the government from vape products, said the Health Ministry (MOH).
However, the collection of excise duty revenue from vape products is not a justification for allowing their sale in the market.
"For the period of implementation of excise duty on electronic cigarette or vape products, the total collection recorded was RM80.32 million in 2023, increasing to RM111.14 million in 2024 and RM118.93 million in 2025.
"Meanwhile, for the period from January 1 to June 11 this year, the collection was recorded at RM44.11 million, making the total excise duty collection at RM354.51 million," it said in a written reply posted on the Dewan Negara website today.
The MOH was responding to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew's query on the proposed ban on vaping, as well as the total tax revenue collection and justification for allowing its sale despite the high health risks.
It added that it is also 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.
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.
For now, the government is fully focused on implementing and enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for all smoking products, including vaping.
The MOH said that priority is given to enforcing Act 852 specifically to protect Minors (OBD) such as to individuals under the age of 18.
"This is in line with the provisions under Section 13(1), which prohibits the sale of smoking products to OBD, Section 13(3), which prohibits the purchase by OBD, and Section 17, which prohibits the use of any smoking products by the relevant group," it said.
The 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.
