The state government of Kedah, Malaysia, has announced that it will cease the renewal of vape sales licenses. It is expected that after all licenses expire, a complete ban on the sale of vape products across all retail channels will be achieved by 2026.
Key points:
- The state government of Kedah, Malaysia, has announced that it will not renew the sales licenses for vaping and vaping devices as part of its efforts to curb drug abuse.
- The ban on sales will be advanced through natural expiration to avoid potential legal risks.
- Kedah plans to completely halt the retail of vapes, including in convenience stores, by 2026 at the latest.
- Previously, Perlis announced a complete ban on the sale of vapes as of August 1, 2025, and some states are simultaneously strengthening supervision.
Malaysia’s Kedah state proposes total ban on vapes by 2026
According to Malaymail on May 15th, the state government of Kedah, Malaysia, announced that it will no longer issue licenses for vapes and vaping products within the state as an important measure to strengthen drug prevention and control efforts. The decision was officially confirmed by State MGH Dato ‘Sri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor after the state executive council meeting, following the meeting of the state-level anti-drug committee.
According to Shanusi’s disclosure, some lawbreakers are using vape devices to illegally consume synthetic drugs.
Sales permit licenses will not be renewed
This type of drug can be inhaled through atomization devices and has become one of the new means of drug abuse. Restricting the sale of vapes is one of the ways we combat the drug problem.
Despite this, the state government has not yet announced an immediate and complete ban on sales. After all current sales licenses expire, a complete ban will be gradually implemented. This strategy is aimed at avoiding potential legal risks.
Shanusi pointed out, “We cannot rashly implement a comprehensive ban to avoid lawsuits due to legal loopholes.” Similar cases have emerged in court before.
Under the current arrangement, the Kedah state government expects to completely ban the sale of vape products across all retail channels by 2026 after all licenses expire.
Shanusi added that Kedah will continue to promote anti-drug programs in all districts and strengthen collaboration with local officials, police chiefs and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
Previously, Perak announced that it will ban the sale of all vape products starting from August 1, 2025. Other states in Malaysia, such as Malacca and Selangor, are also exploring policy paths to restrict sales or tighten regulations.
