THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has reiterated its firm commitment to the stringent enforcement and regulation of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes, to safeguard public health and safety.
In a statement issued today, the MOH stressed that the importation, manufacture and distribution of e-cigarette liquids in Malaysia are strictly governed under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852].
Bernama reported today the ministry’s Disease Control Division explained that the issuance of interim manufacturing licences for e-cigarette devices does not fall under MOH’s purview, but is handled by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), via the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), under the Industrial Coordination Act 1975 and relevant local authority by-laws.
The ministry clarified that under Section 2 of Act 852, along with its related regulations and orders, e-cigarette liquids are defined as smoking products and are thus subject to rigorous regulatory control.
It further noted that the regulation of Malaysia’s e-cigarette industry involves multiple agencies. The Royal Malaysian Customs Department is responsible for overseeing importation controls under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2008.
In addition, device safety standards are assessed by SIRIM and enforced under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022. This falls under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and is enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
"Any decision regarding the import, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids is a collective decision made by all relevant government agencies," the MOH stated.
The ministry issued the clarification following recent media reports on 28 May concerning the U.S.-based company Ispire Technology Inc., which was reported to have been granted a temporary licence to operate in Senai, Johor. - June 2, 2025
