The Malaysian vape Entity Organization (Move) has publicly opposed a nationwide ban on vapes. The organization’s chairman stated that the driving force behind the ban is not the tobacco industry, but Big Pharma, which aims to maintain its market share for nicotine replacement products. The organization believes that a complete ban could lead to an expansion of the black market and public health risks, and calls on the government to strengthen regulation and enforcement rather than a blanket ban on legal products.
Key Points:
- The Malaysian vape Entity Organization (Move) accused “Big Pharma” of pushing for a ban to suppress vape competition to protect its products.
- Move opposes a complete ban, arguing that existing regulations should be strengthened and sales channels regulated, rather than a blanket ban.
- It warns that a ban could destroy the RM3 billion (approximately US$700 million) legal vape industry, lead to a proliferation of the black market, and exacerbate health risks.
- The government is evaluating the feasibility of a ban, and some states have suspended licensing approvals. A final decision is expected within months.
Malaysian Vape group opposes ban
According to a Scoop report on August 6, Samsul Kamal Ariffin, chairman of the Malaysian vape Entity Organization (MOVE), claimed that pharmaceutical companies are the driving force behind the alleged push for a nationwide vape ban.
During an appearance on the Scoop Insight podcast, Samsul accused “Big Pharma” of using its influence to undermine the vape industry to protect its nicotine replacement products, which are now facing stiff competition from alternatives like vapes.
- “The real driving force behind the proposed vape ban isn’t Big Tobacco, but Big Pharma,” Samsul said. “They’ve been influencing policymakers behind the scenes because vapes threaten their market share.”
Pharmaceutical companies are the driving force behind
He further accused pharmaceutical companies of exploiting growing public concerns about vape misuse and sales to minors to push for a blanket ban rather than evidence-based regulation.
Samsul warned that such a ban would backfire, leading consumers to turn to black market products, which are often less regulated and more dangerous, posing a public health risk.
“Banning will not eliminate demand. It will only deny people access to legal, regulated products and create a niche for illegal, unsafe products,” he warned.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health is currently evaluating the feasibility of a nationwide vape ban. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that an expert committee is reviewing the legal, economic, and public health implications of the proposal.
Under the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024 (Act 852), nicotine-containing e-liquids must be registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and sales to persons under 18 are prohibited.
Samsur believes a blanket ban is not the solution. Instead, he calls for stronger enforcement of existing regulations and suggests that vape products should be sold only in licensed vape shops operated by trained staff, rather than in convenience stores or street vendors. He also advocates for stronger measures to curb illegal online sales and increased public education initiatives.
“Bans never work. We’ve seen this in Singapore, India, and even Australia. When regulation fails, the black market thrives,” he noted.
Move and other industry groups have repeatedly stressed that vapes are a harm reduction tool for adult smokers. Citing data from Public Health England and multiple international studies, Samsur reiterated that vapes are far less harmful than traditional cigarettes and have helped many Malaysians successfully quit.
Ban could destroy the RM3 billion
He also warned that a sudden ban could devastate Malaysia’s legal vape industry, estimated to be worth over RM3 billion (US$700 million) and supporting thousands of small businesses and jobs nationwide.
- “Banning vapes overnight would not only kill people’s livelihoods but also allow the illegal trade to flourish,” he said. “Rather than protecting public health, this would put more people at greater risk.”
The government is expected to announce its decision on the proposed ban in the coming months. However, with states like Johor, Kelantan, Perlis, and Pahang already suspending the approval of vape licenses, concerns are growing that a nationwide ban could be imminent.
