15-05-2025
Asean countries snuff out vaping trend
PETALING JAYA: Several South-East Asian countries have already imposed a blanket ban on the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes.
Singapore has some of the harshest punishments, with offenders liable to fines not exceeding S$10,000 (RM32,980) or jail terms of up to six months or both for the first offence.
For the second or subsequent offence, both the fine and jail term can be doubled.
Any person who is convicted of possession, use and purchase of e-vaporisers is liable to a fine not exceeding S$2,000 (RM6,600).
The purchase, possession and use of emerging and imitation tobacco products, including e-vapourisers, have been prohibited in the republic since Feb 1, 2018. This is in addition to earlier prohibitions on the importation, sale and distribution of these products.
Cambodia was among the first in Asean to prohibit the import, trade, and use of e-cigarettes and shisha in 2014, although there have been cases of illegal imports and sales of these products.
The National Authority for Combating Drugs effectively enforced the ban, making vaping a drug offence.
Thailand also banned vaping in 2014 for health reasons, with the government constantly reminding tourists that it is illegal.
Earlier this year, a spokesman for the Thai government announced that it would implement stricter measures against e-cigarette smokers, who could face charges for possessing smuggled products.
The sale and import of e-cigarettes are also prohibited in Brunei under the Tobacco Order (2005), according to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction website.
