Data sourced:
2023.
Page updated:
2025-11-05
In Malaysia, vaping devices are technically regulated as electrical appliances. As such, if sold with non-nicotine e-liquids, they can be sold in vape shops. Nicotine-containing e-liquids are classified as a poison (Poisons Act and Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations, 1952) and can only be sold as medicinal products by licensed pharmacies or registered medical practitioners. However, different states have individual laws and restrictions that do not always align with national policy.
Prevalence
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| Year | Value | Reference/Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3.2% | 1A A |
| 2023 | 5.8% | 1B |
References:
- Ab Rahman, J. et al. (2019) "The Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use Among Adults in Malaysia: Findings From the 2016 National E-Cigarette Survey", Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health. doi: 10.1177/1010539519834735.
- Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2023 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276
Comments:
- A nationwide survey among 4288 Malaysian adults (18 and over) was conducted in 2016 to measure the prevalence and to describe the population characteristics of e-cigarette users. A complex sampling design was used, and data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The prevalence of all type of e-cigarette use was higher in urban than in rural areas. Current e-cigarette users were likely to be younger, males, and with higher education level. Among current e-cigarette users, 74% (95% CI = 64-82) also smoked conventional cigarettes (dual user).
0.8%
1
2023
10.5%
1
2023
11.9%
2
A
2016
References:
- Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2023 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276
- Ab Rahman, J. et al. (2019) "The Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use Among Adults in Malaysia: Findings From the 2016 National E-Cigarette Survey", Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health. doi: 10.1177/1010539519834735.
Comments:
- A nationwide survey among 4288 Malaysian adults (18 and over) was conducted in 2016 to measure the prevalence and to describe the population characteristics of e-cigarette users. A complex sampling design was used, and data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The prevalence of all type of e-cigarette use was higher in urban than in rural areas. Current e-cigarette users were likely to be younger, males, and with higher education level. Among current e-cigarette users, 74% (95% CI = 64-82) also smoked conventional cigarettes (dual user).
Regulation
Allowed
1
Yes
1
No
1
References:
- Data cross-referenced where possible using the following sources :1. Vapetrotter website. Available at: https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/ ; 2. Global tobacco control website. Available at:https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/node/14052 ; 3. Tobacco Control Laws website. Available at : https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/
Availability
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1
Regulations and restrictions
YES
Yes: 18 years
YES
Perception of harm
References:
- Chan, C. M. H., Ab Rahman, J., Guat Hiong, T., Lei Hum, W., Bee Kiau, H., Robson, N. Z. M. H., � Nik Mohamed, M. H. (2019). Perception of Harms and Benefits of Electronic Cigarettes Among Adult Malaysian Men: A Comparison by Electronic Cigarette Use and Smoking Status. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539519860730
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
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We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
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