In Southeast Asia, differentiated efforts against vaping

Within the ASEAN region, countries are adopting different policies towards the vaping industry and its products. While Indonesia and Malaysia, for example, have chosen to regulate and control e-cigarettes, Given the economic and legal power of this industry, a country like Singapore has, for its part, already opted for a zero tolerance policy in the face of the vaping epidemic, reclassified as an illegal drug problem.

Indonesia fights illegal substances instead of banning vaping

In Indonesia, the development of e-cigarettes is opening the door to new ways of consuming psychoactive substances. The Indonesian National Anti-Narcotics Agency (BNN) has observed a growing trend in the use of vaping devices to inhale substances classified as narcotics.

BNN director Marthinus Hukom said the agency recently seized approximately 1,800 vaping devices containing etomidate and ketamine, two substances classified as anesthetics and considered psychotropic. These products were forwarded to the Indonesian Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (BPOM), which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and the National Police.

In response, the agency has strengthened its collaboration with customs, online sales platforms, and specialty stores to improve the supervision of products placed on the market. Marthinus Hukom clarifies that this initiative is not intended to penalize the vaping industry per se, but to prevent abuses: " What is prohibited are narcotics, not e-cigarettes themselves. »[1].

Malaysia delays ban on vaping products but moves towards it

In Malaysia, while several states, including Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, Johor and Kelantan, have already banned the sale of e-cigarettes in their territories, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad recently stated that the government will not impose a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping at the federal level for the time being, in order to avoid possible legal challenges.[2].

Since the Public Health Tobacco Products Control Act (Act 852) came into effect, the vaping industry has been legally registered and regulated.

Law 852, promulgated in February 2024 and applied since October 2024, prohibits in particular the sale of tobacco and vaping products to minors, and regulates advertising, labeling and online sales.

A sudden and complete ban on the sale of these products could be challenged in court due to the current legal recognition of the sector.

The Malaysian minister, however, clarified that a report is being prepared to define the time and modalities of a possible future ban: " The question is not if we will ban, but when. " Responding to the report, Sarawak Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said he supports a total ban on vaping due to its serious health risks.[3].

Citing Singapore's strong ban, Dr. Annuar urged Malaysia to act quickly. He also advocated for increased awareness, especially among young people, about the risks of addiction, lung cancer, and other adverse health effects associated with vaping.

Furthermore, Dzulkefly Ahmad explained that he wanted to extend the topic to this region of Southeast Asia, proposing that the control of vaping be included in the agenda of the ASEAN Health Ministers' Meeting (AHMM) next year.[4].

In Singapore, a ban on vaping is now firm and dissuasive

Unlike the other two countries, Singapore has recently hardened its stance. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on National Day on August 17, 2025, that Vaping will now be treated as an illicit drug offense, with harsher penalties, which may include prison sentences, supervision measures, and mandatory rehabilitation programs. Repeat offenders will face imprisonment, while traffickers will face up to 20 years in prison and flogging.

Until now, violators faced fines, but authorities believe this is no longer sufficient. The government points out in particular the presence of addictive and potentially dangerous substances, such as etomidate, in certain vaping products, particularly "Kpods," which are already under surveillance in Singapore. Vaping devices are only delivery tools. The real danger lies in their contents. " said Wong.

Despite the ban on vaping in effect since 2018, its use continues to grow, particularly among young people. The Singaporean government is preparing a large-scale awareness campaign in schools to curb this trend.

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1]Intan Setiawanty, Indonesia Will Not Follow Singapore's Move to Ban Vape, Says BNN Head, Tempo.co, published on August 22, 2025, consulted the same day

[2]Minderjeet Kaur, No ban on vape for now to avoid legal issues, says health minister, Free Malaysia Today, published August 21, 2025, accessed August 22, 2025

[3]Peter Boon, Dr Annuar backs total vape ban, cites severe health risks, Borneo Post Online, published August 22, 2025, accessed the same day

[4]Bernama, Health Ministry Finalizing Report on Proposed Vape Ban, Says Dzulkefly, published August 21, 2025, accessed August 22, 2025

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