Since 2015, Kelantan, Malaysia, has completely banned the sale of vapes. Despite this, illegal sales still exist. This year, 16 stores have been sealed off, and the number is expected to reach 67 in 2024.
Key points:
- Early control started early: The Kelantan state government of Malaysia launched a health risk awareness campaign for vapes in 2012 and began a two-year policy transition period in 2013. Eventually, the sale of vapes was completely banned in 2015.
- No sales license for ten years: As of 2025, Kelantan has not issued any sales licenses related to vapes for ten consecutive years, resulting in a systemic ban.
- Strict law enforcement mechanism: In 2024, 40 law enforcement operations were carried out, sealing up 67 stores that illegally sold vapes. As of 2025, 16 of them have been sealed up.
- Rising social concern: The public and civil organizations have expressed strong concern over the issue of vape abuse among teenagers, calling on other states to follow Kelantan’s policy and implement the national Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024.
Malaysia’s Kelantan state bans vapes for a decade
According to Harakahdaily’s report on May 14th, the state government of Kelantan, Malaysia, launched a health risk awareness campaign for vapes in 2012 and officially banned the sale of vapes in 2015. According to Hilmi Abdullah, the chairperson of the State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, the government granted a two-year “cooling-off period” in 2013 before implementing the ban for business adjustments and public transitions.
Since the ban was implemented. Kelantan has not approved any sales or business licenses related to vapes for ten consecutive years. Hilmi pointed out that this policy is based on public health considerations. The components of vapes are regarded as substances that pose a significant health threat to users.
Despite the explicit legal prohibition. Hilmi said that there are still merchants illegally selling vape products through cover-up methods, including using other business fronts or selling them through online platforms. In response to this, the state government has joined forces with the customs. The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the Ministry of Health to carry out comprehensive law enforcement.
In 2024, a total of 40 law enforcement operations were carried out throughout the year, sealing up 67 illegal business premises, some of which were repeat offenders. Since the beginning of 2025, 10 operations have been completed and 16 stores have been sealed up.
Hilmi emphasized that with the Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2024 set to come into full effect in October this year, he expects the law to grant law enforcement agencies greater authority and further tighten regulatory efforts.
In addition, the Penang Consumers’ Association (CAP) criticized states that have not yet implemented similar sales bans and publicly called on the government to act faster.
