‘Just ask for it’: Malaysia’s vape crackdown fails to break the habit
South China Morning Post
by Iman Muttaqin YusofFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Malaysia’s recent crackdown on vaping has failed to curb the habit, as millions of adults continue to vape despite new laws. While the government introduced stricter regulations in 2024, including bans on flavored liquids and online sales, the practice remains widespread but increasingly underground. Vapers like Batrisyia, a 28-year-old from Johor, say the trade has simply gone out of sight, with shops selling discreetly behind counters or through private transactions. Despite these changes, vaping persists because it offers a discreet alternative to smoking, with no lingering odors or obvious signs.
The convenience and appeal of vaping have kept it popular among Malaysians. Before the crackdown, vapes were openly displayed in stores, making them easy to access. Now, obtaining a vape requires more discretion, as shops hide their products and transactions happen privately. This shift has pushed the industry further underground, with some sellers even moving online or operating through word-of-mouth networks.
The failure of Malaysia’s vape laws raises important questions about the effectiveness of regulation in addressing public health concerns. Many vapers argue that the new restrictions will simply push them back to smoking cigarettes, which carry greater health risks. Others suggest that the government’s approach has only driven the practice underground, making it harder to monitor and regulate.
For readers interested in global public health and policy, Malaysia’s experience highlights the challenges of enforcing vaping bans. The persistence of vaping despite strict laws underscores the need for alternative approaches, such as harm reduction strategies or education campaigns, to address the issue effectively. As other countries consider similar measures, Malaysia’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of regulating emerging trends in tobacco and nicotine use.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026