Japan Tobacco International Malaysia (JTI Malaysia) has said it will suspend the launch of its vape products until local vape regulations are perfected. The company will now focus on the market performance of its heated tobacco product. Ploom, emphasizes regulatory enforcement to prevent the flow of products to minors.
Key points:
- Japan Tobacco International Malaysia will suspend the launch of vape products until the regulatory regulations are improved.
- JTI Malaysia will focus on the market performance of its heated tobacco product “Ploom” and is not in a hurry to expand into the tape segment.
- Regarding the juvenile market, JTI said that it attaches importance to the enforcement of regulations to ensure market order.
E-cigarette products will not be launched until the regulations are perfected
According to Theedgemalaysia report on February 26. JTI Malaysia said that it does not plan to launch vapes or atomizing products until local regulations on vapes are perfected.
“Logic” is JTI Malaysia’s current vape product.
JTI Malaysia’s managing director. Juliana Mohd Yahaya said after releasing the results of the 2024 Illicit Cigarettes study commissioned by the Federation of Tobacco Manufacturers of Malaysia:
- “We are in no rush to enter the vape market as we launched our heated tobacco product Ploom in Malaysia in January this year and want to put more effort into that product.”
She noted that the current vape market in Malaysia was not yet fully regulated and JTI Malaysia did not want the product to appeal to minors.
- “Once all regulations are in place and the industry is under control, then we will consider launching vape products in Malaysia.”
The Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024 came into effect on October 1, 2024, to regulate tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes. The regulations will be implemented in phases, with the first phase completing the registration of tobacco products by April and beginning to ban retailers from displaying tobacco and vape products.
- “If there are only regulations and no enforcement, our vape products could end up in the hands of people under the age of 18, which is a problem that cannot be ignored.”
Julianna noted that Ploom has been well received by local users and “has exceeded expectations, and the fact that heated tobacco products are not a new thing gives consumers another option.”
Philip Morris International Malaysia was the first to launch its heated tobacco product (HTP) IQOS in 2018.
