MALAYSIA is moving foreard towards a full ban on e-cigarettes and vape products, with the Cabinet Memorandum expected to be tabled early next year, said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the decision was no longer a question of if but when, adding that the Cabinet had already agreed in principle on the direction towards banning vape products nationwide.
“We are moving towards a ban. The main question is the timing. I am confident it will be as soon as possible, by mid-2026 or at the latest by the end of next year,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference after visiting Hospital Permai in Johor Bahru today (Dec 16).
The minister cited rising concerns over the use of adulterated vape liquids and synthetic substances, which have been linked to drug-induced psychosis and other serious mental health conditions.
“I was briefed earlier about patients presenting with drug-induced psychosis due to the use of synthetic cannabis and other substances, some of which are consumed through vaping,” he remarked.
Dr Dzulkefly said such cases were already being monitored by a special task group led by the Health Ministry’s public health leadership, in collaboration with medical experts.
He further noted that lifestyle factors, including substance abuse, were among the major contributors to mental health challenges, describing the issue as multifactorial but increasingly worrying.
“These are recognised medical realities, and they strengthen the case for firm policy action,” he added.
Dr Dzulkefly emphasised that the move towards banning vape products was consistent with existing health policies and was not a sudden shift in direction.
“This is not a knee-jerk reaction. The policies and standard operating procedures are already in place and have been ongoing. What we are doing now is moving towards a decisive end point,” he stressed. ‒ Focus Malaysia
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