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In 2020, the Malaysian government announced an excise tax on vape devices and e-liquids. However, reiterating the need for regulation, Malaysia's director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, said that before imposing any tax on e-cigarettes, proper regulation was needed.

Meanwhile, excise duty for all tobacco products and electronic/vaping products has been enforced, with a rate of 10% of the product value and one of 40 sen per ml for e-liquids. However, there are still no vape regulations in sight.

The vape industry has been calling for regulation for years. In 2021, the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) said that, among other things, this step would have a positive effect on the local economy by creating more jobs and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). "Findings show that there are more than 3,300 businesses directly related to the vape industry, with a workforce of more than 15,000 workers," said MVCC, when launching the Malaysian Vaping Industry report.

MVCC president Syed Azaudin Syed Ahmad, said that the findings of the report strongly indicate that the sector is a viable and growing industry in Malaysia, and has facilitated the growth of local entrepreneurs. "In addition, the Malaysian vape industry currently has an established ecosystem consisting of manufacturers, importers and retailers, as well as a thriving distribution and logistics network," he said.

Major global tobacco companies, such as JT International Bhd (JTI Malaysia) British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd (BAT Malaysia), have also urged authorities to establish these regulations as they slowly transition from selling conventional cigarettes to safer nicotine alternatives.

Big tobacco pushes for regulations on lower-risk products
In 2018, Philip Morris (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd became the first of the three major tobacco companies to introduce reduced-risk products (RRP) in the country, with its heated tobacco (HNB) device IQOS. While BAT Malaysia and JTI Malaysia have not yet brought RRP products to the local market, hoping that regulations will be established before these products are introduced.

Managing director of JT International Bhd (JTI Malaysia) Khoo Bee Leng believes that the reason why local authorities are taking so long to regulate this industry, is due to its complexity. "It's a complicated process. It [involves] various substances that you use in vape liquids. So I think the government might be studying other markets on how to regulate this industry. You also need to have systems and processes to test products, as well as monitor and enforce [regulations]," she said.

Aslahuddin VCAM referred to the MVCC study, which showed that the current vape market has more than 3,300 businesses directly related to the industry and employs more than 15,000 workers. Major vape vendors, distributors, and suppliers in the country include NCIG, RELX, Vape Empire, and The Vape 69.

So, that's the article for this occasion, I hope that articles like this can provide new insights for you vapers. Of course, if you want to share and gain more knowledge about vapes, you can come directly to the nearest Vapeboss retail store, where our Vaporistas will help you and provide a lot of information about the world of vaping, and also, if you lack vape supplies and have difficulty buying them, you can contact our retail store via WhatsApp for purchases with a COD system. Because Vapeboss has been the most complete and trusted vape store since 2014, so whatever your vape needs are, they will definitely be available there.

Aside from Retail WhatsApp, you can shop through our Online Store (click here), Shopee (click here), and Tokopedia (click here). Because there you can find your vape needs such as E-liquid, Coils, Cotton, Batteries, and much more.

Keep Calm and Vape Like a Boss and Always stay safe while vaping and always adhere to health protocols in the current pandemic. Have a nice day Bigboss!