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KUALA LUMPUR - The health and economic cost burden due to diseases related to vape use is estimated to reach about RM369 million per year, far exceeding the amount of excise duty revenue collected by the government from vape products, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
However, the ministry stated that the collection of excise duty revenue from vape products is not a justification for allowing their sale in the market.
"For the period of implementation of excise duty on electronic cigarette or vape products, the total collection recorded was RM80.32 million in 2023, increasing to RM111.14 million in 2024 and RM118.93 million in 2025.
"Meanwhile, for the period from Jan 1 to June 11 this year, the collection was recorded at RM44.11 million, making the total excise duty collection at RM354.51 million," said the Ministry of Health in a written reply posted on Dewan Negara website, today.
The ministry was responding to a question from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew on the proposed ban on vape as well as the total tax revenue collection and justification for allowing its sale due to the high health risks.
In addition, the Ministry of Health is strengthening control over high-risk products including examining the proposal to ban bottled e-cigarette or vape liquids due to the high risk of being mixed with drugs and prohibited substances.
The Ministry of Health informed that any official decision including a proposal for a more comprehensive ban will continue to be evaluated based on scientific evidence, current data, and public health interests.
According to the ministry, for now, the government is fully focused on the implementation and enforcement of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for all smoking products including vaping.
The ministry informed that priority is given to the enforcement of Act 852 specifically to protect Minors (OBD), i.e. individuals under the age of 18.
"This is in line with the provisions under Section 13(1) which prohibits the sale of smoking products to OBD, Section 13(3) prohibits the purchase by OBD, and Section 17 which prohibits the use of any smoking products by the relevant group," according to the response.
The Ministry said that the strict regulatory approach through Act 852 is taken to reduce access and use of smoking products to ensure the protection of public health, especially among children and adolescents. - BERNAMA
