Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed a significant increase in taxes on e-cigarette or vape liquid, suggesting a rise from 40 sen to RM4 per millilitre (ml).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni announced that the proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance. The aim is to align the taxation of vape products with that of conventional tobacco products. He detailed that 2ml of vape liquid is being equated to a standard cigarette pack, as both deliver approximately 200 puffs. This proposed rate ensures that the tax on this equivalent amount matches that of a cigarette pack.

During a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, Lukanisman addressed a supplementary question from Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) regarding the potential for a vape tax hike comparable to those on tobacco products, possibly through the 2026 Budget. There is a consideration for this measure ahead of a possible comprehensive ban on vape products.

Simultaneously, Lukanisman mentioned that a proposal for a complete ban on vapes is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet this year for policy approval. He explained this plan to Capt (Rtd) Datuk Dr. Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), who questioned the MOH's delay in implementing a nationwide ban on vaping.

Lukanisman highlighted a previous Regulatory Impact Analysis by the ministry, which estimated that RM244.8 million has already been allocated for treating E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). He cautioned that if vaping remains unchecked, treatment costs could escalate to between RM300 million and RM400 million by 2030.

Emphasizing the rationale for a full ban, Lukanisman noted that several other ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Singapore, and Laos, have adopted similar measures. He asserted that focusing on eliminating one harmful product could be more effective than addressing both cigarettes and vapes simultaneously.