Perak to ban sale of vapes as M'sia eyes nationwide clamp down by mid-2026

Perak is the latest Malaysian state to announce a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, or vapes, starting from Jan. 1, 2026, the local government announced on Oct. 1.

It joins six other states in banning the device – Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang, who have already implemented bans on the use and sale of vapes.

The decision was reportedly made at a state executive council meeting on Oct. 1, according to Bernama.

"This decision is a firm and bold move to protect public health, particularly the younger generation, from the risks posed by electronic cigarettes," state official A Sivanesan said.

The business licences of stores selling vape products will also not be approved or renewed, he added, and businesses found violating the order will be subject to legal action.

The grace period between now and Jan. 1 next year is to give businesses time to sell their remaining stocks of e-cigarettes before the ban takes effect.

Affected operators and workers of vape shops will also be offered entrepreneurship courses and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to seek alternate employment when the ban starts, Sivanesan said.

Total ban by mid-2026

Malaysia is targeting a complete ban of vapes by mid next year, though in stages, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Sep. 10.

On Sep. 25, he again said the move is "no longer if, but when".

The government aims to clamp down on "open-system" vapes first, he said, referring to those that can be reused and manually refilled with vaporiser liquid.

Malaysia's total ban would be a belated one, joining other countries in the region including Singapore, Thailand and Brunei who have imposed complete restrictions as early as 2015.

Singapore most recently enforced stricter laws on the sale and use of vapes on Sep. 1, including a jail term for those found selling and distributing vapes.

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