Malaysia’s vaping sector has expanded exponentially in recent years, with the total retail value estimated at RM3.48 billion in 2023. This represents approximately 53% growth since 2019, driven by rising numbers of smokers switching to vaping products as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
Vaping Becoming Popular Cigarette Alternative
According to a new study by the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC), 31% of the country’s smokers have fully transitioned from traditional cigarettes to vaping devices. Another 69% now use both cigarettes and vapes, with around half of these dual users aiming to ultimately quit smoking tobacco entirely by switching to vaping.
“The vaping industry is fast becoming the gamechanger to disrupt cigarette smoking in Malaysia,” said MVCC Secretary-General Ridhwan Rosli. The report shows vaping’s potential as a viable smoking cessation tool amid its rapid growth in popularity and adoption as a cigarette alternative.
Economic Contributions and Job Creation
In addition to public health impacts as a smoking substitute, vaping now contributes significantly to Malaysia’s economy and job market. The sector directly employs an estimated 31,500 people, more than double the 15,000 workers employed in 2019. This creates business and employment opportunities especially for bumiputera entrepreneurs.
However, proposed Generational End Game (GEG) policies by the government could adversely affect the vaping industry’s continued growth trajectory. According to Rosli, “Implementing the GEG policy could stifle this exponential growth, leading to widespread job losses and severely affecting the livelihoods of many workers, especially those in the bumiputera community who now rely on the vaping sector.”
Consumer Survey Highlights Shifting Vaping Trends
The comprehensive MVCC industry report incorporated detailed data from surveys of both vaping businesses as well as consumers. Key findings on evolving vaping patterns and preferences include:
- Disposable vaping devices quickly grabbed a 32% share of total market sales, as open/closed tank systems declined in popularity over the past year.
- Total spending by Malaysian vapers hit RM3.5 billion annually across all device types and e-liquids.
- Most vapers opt for low-to-moderate nicotine concentrations in their e-liquids.
- Top reasons cited for using vapes are harm reduction compared to cigarettes, smoking cessation, and significant cost savings versus smoking.
Call for Balanced Regulations to Support Growth
Rosli urged Malaysian policymakers to carefully consider the latest data on industry trends and economic contributions when shaping the country’s vaping laws and regulations.
“Placing vape products in the same category as traditional cigarettes through overly restrictive policies will likely deter many citizens from switching to vaping for smoking cessation,” he warned.
The MVCC supports fair taxation frameworks and reasonable advertising restrictions but hopes to avoid unnecessarily stringent regulations or blanket bans that could prevent cigarette smokers from transitioning to demonstrably less harmful vaping alternatives. Careful rules and oversight can nurture the rapidly growing sector while still achieving public health goals.
Vaping Presents Economic and Export Opportunities
Given Malaysia’s existing reputation for manufacturing high-quality vaping hardware and e-liquids, the burgeoning vaping industry could attract substantial foreign investment and expand export market opportunities worldwide.
“With the global vaping market projected to reach $124 billion by 2027, Malaysia is in a strong position to become a vaping leader in the Asia-Pacific region and globally,” Rosli explained. “This can create many new jobs and support small business growth for Malaysian companies.”
With the right regulatory balance, the country has potential to become a global vaping hub – sustaining domestic jobs and enterprises while providing the nation’s cigarette smokers with vastly improved alternatives to transition away from risky tobacco use. The MVCC aims to constructively engage policymakers to develop a smart framework that allows the vaping industry to thrive responsibly.
- Teen Zyn Use Soars as Vaping Declines Slightly: Study - May 2, 2025
- Uzbekistan Senate Approves Ban on E-cigarette Import and Sale - April 30, 2025
- Louisiana Lawmakers Propose Higher Vape Taxes - April 25, 2025