Malaysia Misses Mid-2026 Vape Ban, Pharmacists Left Puzzled

By Danial Martinus • 11 Nov 2026 in News

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(source: Danial Saad / New Straits Times)

Malaysian pharmacists have been left with question marks over their heads after the country missed its mid-2026 target to ban the sale of vapes nationwide.

Now they’re pushing for a clearer implementation timeline as teens and young adults continue vaping near the tail end of the year, amid concerns of drug-laced vaping products.

The government should honour its commitment to a vape ban, Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Prof Amrahi Buang says

Amrahi pointed at contradictory moves from the government, specifically regarding its attempt to exempt liquid nicotine from the poisons list, despite opposition from the Poisons Board.

It even prompted the High Court to step in, striking down that proposed exemption earlier this year after ruling it was driven by economic considerations.

“The government cannot tell Malaysians that it intends to end vaping while considering another exemption that could allow nicotine vapes to remain on the market,” Amrahi said.

“It must decide which direction it intends to take, and tell the public when it will act.”

The Ministry of Health (MOH) had initially wanted to implement a phased nationwide vape ban by mid-2026, with the first phase covering open-system vaping devices (those with refillable tanks or pods), subject to Cabinet approval. But to date, nothing has come of that pledge.

Adding to the worrying delay and lack of a clear timeline is the presence of drug-laced vape products in the market, which puts young people at high risk of addiction and other potentially serious dangers.

“This is no longer merely a concern about nicotine addiction. Vape devices are increasingly being misused to consume dangerous and illicit substances,” said Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) President, Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan.

The Home Ministry said that 718.43kg of vape products suspected of containing prohibited substances were seized between 2023 and June 2026. “These are disturbing figures,” Sivanaesan warns.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey, vape use among schoolgoing Malaysians aged 13 to 17 increased from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022. The number could be even higher now due to how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a vape.