A GOVERNMENT MP questioned the absence of a tax on vape products in Budget 2026 despite the excise tax on cigarettes and tobacco products being increased.
Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh), said the absence of a proposal to increase the tax raises questions as the product is increasingly widely used and is often associated with various controversies.
“The government increased taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products but did not touch on vaping at all.
"Why isn't there a similar move against this product, when the vape issue is becoming more serious in our country," he said during the debate session on the Supply Bill 2026, at the Dewan Rakyat.
Teresa explained that Malaysia now has an active vape product manufacturing industry and is among the main exporters to neighboring countries.
According to data from the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (DPVM), the value of the local vape industry is estimated at RM3.48 billion in 2023, an increase of 53% compared to RM2.27 billion in 2019.
According to her, if the government decides to ban vape completely, it will have a major impact on industry operators and reduce the country's tax revenue.
"A total ban will not stop the use of vape, but will instead encourage smuggling and strengthen the black market," she said.
She stressed that strict controls should be imposed on the vape industry before the government decides to ban its use.
“The government should not act hastily. Strict controls are more effective than a complete ban,” she said.
Teresa also suggested that the government only ban the use of ‘open system’ vape types that allow users to mix their own substances such as marijuana and drugs.
She said that only ‘closed system’ vape should be allowed to be sold, which are products that are directly controlled by manufacturers or importers registered under the Ministry of Health (MOH) with quality monitoring with Sirim. - October 17, 2025
