THE Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to impose an immediate nationwide ban on vape products, arguing that Malaysia can no longer justify the escalating healthcare costs associated with vaping.
The call follows the Ministry of Health's (MOH) disclosure yesterday that vape-related illnesses are estimated to cost the country approximately RM369 million annually, significantly exceeding the excise duty revenue collected from vape products.
CAP education officer and anti-smoking activist N.V. Subbarow said the figures highlighted the economic irrationality of continuing to permit vape sales while public funds were being spent treating preventable illnesses.
"It is illogical and unreasonable for the Ministry of Health to spend millions of ringgit treating diseases that could be prevented simply by banning vape products," he said in a statement today.
He said the money currently spent on treating vape-related diseases could instead be channelled towards public health education and prevention programmes.
"Why delay the ban? What more scientific evidence is needed before a comprehensive prohibition is introduced?
"There is already sufficient research and evidence to justify banning vape products, so there is no reason to wait any longer.
"Many countries are moving towards a complete ban without waiting for further scientific evidence because they are concerned about protecting the younger generation," he said.
Subbarow noted that Malaysia and the Philippines remain the only ASEAN member states that have yet to impose a nationwide ban on vape products.
He also argued that taxpayers who neither smoke nor vape should not have to bear the financial burden of treating diseases linked to vaping.
"CAP wishes to remind the Ministry of Health that vape and electronic cigarette users are also spending substantial amounts purchasing vape liquids and devices, with many spending at least RM150 a month.
"Therefore, it would be far better for the Ministry of Health to ban vape products, which would save hundreds of millions of ringgit and better protect the younger generation," he said.
The Ministry of Health said yesterday it is strengthening regulatory controls over high-risk smoking products, including evaluating a proposal to ban bottled vape liquids because of the heightened risk of them being mixed with illicit drugs and prohibited substances.
However, the ministry said any decision on a broader nationwide ban would continue to be assessed based on scientific evidence, current data and wider public health considerations.
For now, the government's priority remains the implementation and enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework governing all smoking products, including vape devices. - July 30, 2026
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