Malaysia is set to ban vape entirely, with the Health Ministry targeting enforcement by mid 2026.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government has already made its decision and is preparing to finalise the move next year.
He explained that the question is no longer about whether vape will be prohibited but simply when the country is ready to execute the policy.
Dzulkefly said the ministry is aiming for the ban to be implemented either by the middle or latest by the end of 2026.
He added that although the matter was not presented in the recent Cabinet meeting, he is confident it will be brought up again for consideration early next year.
Dzulkefly made the announcement during a press conference after his official working visit to Hospital Permai. Also present were Johor’s Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor State Health Director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.
Serious concerns over illicit substances in vape
According to Dzulkefly, one of the major reasons driving the proposed ban is the increasing number of vape liquids mixed with synthetic or illegal substances.
These mixtures have been linked to drug induced psychosis and severe mental health issues.
He noted that during his visit to Hospital Permai, he was informed of a patient referred to the facility for psychosis after consuming substances such as synthetic cannabis through vape.
He said similar cases have become increasingly common, reinforcing the ministry’s urgency to regulate and ultimately prohibit vape usage nationwide.
