The state of Terengganu in Malaysia will implement a ban on vape sales starting from August 1st, which has raised concerns among the Terengganu branch of the Malaysian vape Association. The branch claims that this measure may result in losses of up to 1.15 million US dollars per month for traders and questions the legality of the ban.
Key points:
1. The state of Terengganu in Malaysia will ban the sale of vapes and related advertisements starting from August 1, 2025. The Malay Vape Manufacturers Association (Terengganu Branch) estimates that 169 members will face a monthly loss of approximately 5 million ringgit (1.15 million US dollars), and believes that a three-month grace period is insufficient to handle inventory or transform business operations.
2. The association questioned the legality of the state ban, arguing that the implementation regulations should be based on the “Public Health Smoking Products Control Act” formulated by the federal government, rather than a complete ban on sales.
3. Previously, the Minister of Health reaffirmed that state and local governments have the right to determine the sales policies of vape
Vape ban in Malaysia’s Terengganu state draws controversy
According to Freemalaysiatoday’s report on April 28th, the state government of Terengganu, Malaysia, plans to completely ban the sale of vapes and related products starting from August 1, 2025, and simultaneously ban related advertisements. This measure has raised widespread concerns in the local vape industry.
The Terengganu branch of the Malaysian vape Manufacturers Association said that the ban is expected to result in a monthly economic loss of up to 5 million ringgit (1.15 million US dollars) for the association’s 169 members. Kamaruzaman Mahmud, the president of the association, pointed out that the three-month grace period given by the government is far from sufficient for merchants to clear their inventories or transform into other businesses. He emphasized that vape merchants need more time to prepare for business closure or transformation.
E-cigarette association questions compliance and calls for extension
Kamaruzaman also questioned the basis of the state government’s power to enforce the ban, arguing that this move was inconsistent with the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act passed by the federal government last year. This act has established a systematic regulatory framework for vape products and does not advocate a complete ban.
- “Banning the sale of vapes is not the best way to prevent students from using them. On the contrary, implementing strict supervision by federal government regulations is more practical and responsible.”
Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, the state executive councillor of Terengganu, previously announced that the state government would ban the sale of vapes and advertising promotion starting from August 1.
Furthermore, the Menteri Besar of Kedah, Sanusi Nor, said that the state executive council will discuss next week whether to follow the implementation of a similar ban in Terengganu.
Malaysia’s Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad pointed out on April 18 that the authority to issue vape sales licenses belongs to state and local governments, and state governments have the right to formulate relevant sales policies in accordance with local tobacco control regulations.
