Vape industry urges consultation over proposed 'pro-health' taxes
Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (Mreca) president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas said that currently, both vape devices and e-liquid products are already subject to excise duty.
He said that e-liquids with nicotine have been taxed at 40 sen per ml since May 1, 2023, while devices are subject to a 10 per cent ad valorem excise duty since Jan 1, 2021.
Adzwan said the industry would seek clarification from the authorities on what today's announcement means.
"Does this mean there will be new taxes on vape products?" he told the New Straits Times when asked to comment on the matter.
Adzwan urged the government to hold consultation and discussion sessions with industry players before any policy decisions are made.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Putrajaya would expand "pro-health" taxes beyond sugar to include products such as tobacco, vape, and alcohol.
He said that these taxes are not merely for revenue generation but to drive behavioural change and curb the worrying rise in NCDs, adding that the government must be firm in addressing health risks.
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