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Legal status of liquid nicotine vapes remains unclear after government withdrawal

A Malaysian health policy think tank is calling on the government to clarify the regulatory status of nicotine vape products following Putrajaya's decision to withdraw an appeal on a court ruling. The move has left the legal position of liquid and gel-based vaping products in limbo.

LSN Malaysia · 20 August 2026

Legal status of liquid nicotine vapes remains unclear after government withdrawal

The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has urged the Malaysian government to provide urgent clarity on whether liquid nicotine vapes, gels, and related products are now legally prohibited in the country. The call comes after the government announced it would not pursue an appeal against a court decision, creating confusion among consumers and industry stakeholders about the current regulatory framework. The decision to withdraw the appeal has raised questions about whether the government's previous position on these products remains valid or has fundamentally changed. Without clear guidance from authorities, businesses and consumers remain uncertain about the legal status of nicotine vaping products in Malaysia. The Galen Centre's intervention highlights growing concern that the ambiguity could lead to inconsistent enforcement and potential legal complications for those involved in the vaping sector. Health officials have not yet issued a definitive statement clarifying which vaping products are permitted or banned under Malaysian law, leaving the matter unresolved nearly two weeks after the government's withdrawal announcement.