KUALA LUMPUR – The government must act now to curb the rise of vaping, especially among Malaysian youth, by raising taxes and introducing a minimum price for vape products, said Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
Wan Saiful criticised the current regulatory inaction, warning that continued delays would only worsen the public health risks.
“If the intention is truly to control vape use, then the government must immediately increase taxes on nicotine vape liquids,” he said.
Wan Saiful pointed out a stark discrepancy in the current tax regime: vape liquids are taxed at only 40 sen per millilitre, compared to RM8.00 for a pack of cigarettes.
“Just two millilitres of vape liquid contains about the same amount of nicotine as a box of cigarettes, yet it's taxed at only 10% of that amount,” he noted.
“This price gap makes vaping a cheaper, more appealing alternative—especially for young users.” To level the playing field, Wan Saiful called for vape taxes to be brought in line with cigarette excise duties and proposed a minimum retail price of RM12.00 for vape products.
“That minimum price should rise in tandem with future tax increases,” he said, stressing the need for tax parity to curb usage and discourage affordability.
Amid discussions of a potential vaping ban, Wan Saiful also warned of the unintended consequences of prohibition.
“A ban will likely create a black market that’s harder to control,” he said.
“We don’t need to wait for a ban to act. Equalising taxes and setting a minimum price are immediate, realistic steps the government can take.”
His comments come amid growing concern from public health experts over the surge in vape use, particularly among teenagers.
Anti-smoking groups have long argued that weak regulations and low prices are fuelling the trend.
“These are practical, enforceable steps that can be taken now to protect public health – especially the younger generation,” Wan Saiful said, urging the Health Ministry to move swiftly. – July 29, 2025
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