MalaysiaCan You Vape in Malaysia? The Short Answer
Yes, but with significant restrictions. Malaysia's vaping landscape changed dramatically with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which took effect in October 2024:
- Vaping is legal for adults 18+
- E-liquids limited to 20mg/mL nicotine (down from 35mg/mL)
- Pods/cartridges limited to 3mL (dropping to 2mL in October 2026)
- 28 categories of public places ban vaping
- RM5,000 fines (~$1,100 USD) for violations
- Six states have additional restrictions or bans
Malaysia has moved from a gray market to regulated status, but the rules are complex and vary by state.
Is Vaping Legal in Malaysia? Understanding the Regulations
Act 852 - The New Framework
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 represents Malaysia's first comprehensive vaping regulation:
Key Dates:
- March 2023: Liquid nicotine removed from Poisons Act
- October 2024: Act 852 takes effect
- January 2025: Public place ban enforcement begins
- April 2025: Retail display ban takes effect
- October 2025: Nicotine reduced from 35mg/mL to 20mg/mL
- October 2026: Pod size reduced from 3mL to 2mL
Product Regulations Under Act 852
| Regulation | Current Limit | Future Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine concentration | 20mg/mL max | Effective October 2025 |
| Pod/cartridge volume | 3mL max | 2mL from October 2026 |
| Disposable puff count | 3,000 max | - |
| Minimum age | 18 years | - |
| Online sales | Prohibited | - |
| Retail display | Banned (except specialty stores) | Effective April 2025 |
| Advertising | Completely prohibited | - |
What's Legal vs. Illegal
Legal:
- Purchasing vapes if 18+
- Using vapes in permitted areas
- Importing for personal use
- Licensed retail sales
Illegal:
- Vaping in prohibited public places
- Selling to under-18s
- Products exceeding nicotine/size limits
- Unlicensed sales
- Advertising vape products
What Are the Rules for Vaping in Malaysia?
Public Place Bans (28 Categories)
Enforcement began January 1, 2025 with RM5,000 fines for violations:
Indoor Prohibited Areas:
- All workplaces
- Restaurants and food courts
- Shopping malls
- Hospitals and clinics
- Educational institutions
- Government buildings
- Public transportation (buses, trains, ferries)
- Airports and terminals
- Entertainment venues
- Religious buildings
Outdoor Prohibited Areas:
- Parks and playgrounds
- Sports facilities
- Bus stops and train platforms
- Within 3 meters of building entrances
- Outdoor dining areas
Where You CAN Vape
- Private residences
- Private vehicles (your own)
- Designated smoking areas (where available)
- Outdoor areas away from prohibited zones
- Some hotels (in smoking rooms)
What Are the Penalties for Vaping Violations in Malaysia?
Penalties for Vapers
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Vaping in prohibited area | Up to RM5,000 (~$1,100 USD) |
| First offense | Typically RM500-1,000 compound |
| Repeat offenses | Higher fines, potential prosecution |
Penalties for Businesses
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Selling to minors | Up to RM50,000 |
| Operating without license | Up to RM100,000 or 2 years jail |
| Selling non-compliant products | Up to RM100,000 |
| Advertising violations | Up to RM50,000 |
Enforcement Reality
- Kuala Lumpur - Active enforcement in malls, public transport
- Tourist areas - Moderate enforcement, warnings often given first
- Rural areas - Less consistent enforcement
How Do I Bring My Vape to Malaysia?
Customs and Import
There are no specific customs limits for personal vaping equipment:
- Bring reasonable quantities for personal use
- Keep devices in carry-on luggage (battery regulations)
- E-liquids follow standard liquid rules for flights
- No special declarations required for personal items
KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport)
- No vaping inside any terminal areas
- Designated smoking areas outside terminals
- After clearing customs, smoking areas near taxi stands
Tips for Travelers
- Check your state - Some states have banned vape sales/use
- Bring sufficient supplies - Selection may be limited
- Use private spaces - Safest option to avoid fines
- Ask your hotel - Many have smoking/vaping policies
- Be discreet - Cultural norms favor discretion
What Should Travelers Know About Vaping in Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur
Where to be careful:
- KLCC/Petronas Towers area - Heavy enforcement
- Bukit Bintang - Tourist area, visible enforcement
- Malls - Strictly prohibited inside
- Public transport - LRT, MRT, buses all prohibited
Vape shops:
- Bukit Bintang area has several
- Plaza Low Yat (electronics hub) has vape vendors
- Check licensing/product compliance
Penang
- George Town heritage area - Be discreet
- Beaches - Generally more relaxed
- Malls - Prohibited inside
- Vape shops in commercial areas
Langkawi
- More relaxed tourist island atmosphere
- Resort policies vary - ask your hotel
- Duty-free island - vapes available but still regulated
- Beach areas - Generally tolerated
Genting Highlands
- Casino resort area
- Designated smoking areas in casino
- Hotel policies vary
- Indoor public areas prohibited
Where Can I Buy Vapes in Malaysia?
Licensed Vape Shops
Vape shops are common in urban areas:
Kuala Lumpur:
- Bukit Bintang area
- Plaza Low Yat
- Bangsar
- Mont Kiara
Penang:
- George Town
- Gurney Drive area
Johor Bahru:
- City Square area
- Note: Johor has stopped new licenses
What to Expect
- Products must meet Malaysian standards
- 20mg/mL max nicotine
- 3mL max pod size
- Age verification required (18+)
- Prices similar to international markets
State-Level Bans on Sales
Six states have restricted or banned vape sales:
| State | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kelantan | Banned | Never issued licenses |
| Terengganu | Banned | Effective August 2025 |
| Perlis | Banned | Effective August 2025 + Fatwa |
| Johor | Restricted | Stopped issuing new licenses |
| Kedah | Banning | All vendors must cease by December 2025 |
| Pahang | Restricted | Stopped issuing licenses |
If traveling to these states, bring your own supplies.
Malaysia Vaping Laws vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | Vaping Status | Penalties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Restricted | RM5,000 fines | Complex regulations under Act 852 |
| Singapore | Banned | S$2,000-$10,000+ | Strict enforcement |
| Thailand | Banned | Up to 10 years prison | Active tourist enforcement |
| Indonesia | Legal | N/A | Regulated, 21+ age limit |
| Brunei | Banned | Heavy fines | Complete prohibition |
| Vietnam | Banned (2025) | 3-5M VND fines | New ban |
| Philippines | Legal | N/A | Regulated, 21+ |
| Cambodia | Banned (lenient) | Confiscation | Minimal enforcement |
Key comparison: Malaysia is more permissive than Singapore or Thailand, but more restrictive than Indonesia or Philippines.
Will Malaysia Ban Vaping Entirely?
2026 Outlook
The situation is evolving:
- Health Ministry announced plans for nationwide ban (September 2025 statement)
- Phased approach starting with open-system products discussed
- State-level bans spreading
- Industry lobbying continues
As of 2026, vaping remains legal under Act 852, but the regulatory trend is toward stricter controls. The situation could change significantly.
Vaping in Malaysia: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is legal under Act 852 (October 2024) but heavily regulated
- 20mg/mL nicotine limit and 3mL pod size restrictions apply
- 28 categories of public places ban vaping - RM5,000 fines
- Six states have additional bans or restrictions on sales
- Enforcement began January 2025 - fines are being issued
- Private spaces are safest for vaping
- Licensed vape shops are available in major cities
- Tourist areas have moderate enforcement - be discreet
- Bring supplies if visiting restricted states (Kelantan, Terengganu, etc.)
- Regulations may tighten - potential nationwide ban discussed
References
- Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) – Full Text
- Act 852 on Smoking Products Now in Effect – Malay Mail
- Malaysia E-Cigarette Main Policies – Tobacco Control Laws
Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more countries.