MP urges govt to raise vape taxes to match cigarette rates

Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan called on the government to immediately increase taxes on nicotine vape liquid to align with cigarette tax rates.

He argued that current pricing disparities are encouraging widespread vape usage among youths.

In a statement focusing on yesterday’s parliamentary debate on the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, Wan Saiful highlighted the tax gap between vapes and cigarettes.

“Given that vape products are still widely sold, I urge the government to immediately raise taxes on nicotine vape liquid to align with cigarette tax rates. This measure is important for strengthening prevention and control efforts,” he stated.

Wan Saiful said nicotine liquid is taxed at only 40 sen per ml, while cigarettes are taxed at RM8 per pack.

He claimed that 2ml of nicotine vape liquid contains nearly the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.

However, the tax on vape is only about 10 percent of the cigarette tax, he said.

Wan Saiful acknowledged that the Health Ministry is examining proposals to completely ban vape sales but argued that total prohibition often leads to difficult-to-control black markets without effective enforcement.

Ministry considers vape ban

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that his ministry is working towards fully banning the sale of vape and e-cigarette products.

This followed findings by the authorities that the products are being abused to consume illegal drugs.

Dzulkefly said they are evaluating the effectiveness of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) first.

However, Wan Saiful said the government cannot continue to vacillate.

“If the intention to control vape usage is genuine, then the most appropriate and swift action is to immediately announce tax increases on nicotine vape liquid,” he said, describing the measure as “low-hanging fruit”.

Beyond tax equalisation, Wan Saiful also proposed introducing minimum pricing for vape products similar to cigarette regulations.

He suggested setting the minimum price at RM12.00, with the entire price structure linked to excise duty rates over time to ensure appropriate tax parity and affordability levels.

“The time has come for the government to act decisively. There is no need to wait for a ban. Instead, equalising taxes and introducing minimum pricing are steps that can be taken immediately,” he concluded.

The MP described these measures as “realistic, immediate, and most effective” to protect public health, particularly among younger generations who have shown increasing vape adoption.

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