Malaysia Moves Toward Vape Ban After 402 Cases of Synthetic Drug-Laced E-Cigarette Liquids Detected
Key Insights
Malaysian police recorded 402 cases of vape devices and liquids laced with dangerous synthetic drugs up to April 2026, including benzodiazepine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated the evidence provides a "compelling argument" and strong basis for the government to consider a nationwide vape ban.
A new synthetic drug called "Piu Piu" has been detected in e-cigarette liquids, further underscoring the public health threat, particularly to minors.
Malaysian health authorities are moving decisively toward a nationwide ban on vaping after law enforcement data revealed that 402 vape-related cases involving dangerous synthetic drugs were recorded up to April 2026. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the findings at a press conference following the launch of the Cik Era Rides the MRT Programme at the Tun Razak Exchange MRT Station in Kuala Lumpur on June 20.
"The detection of synthetic drugs such as benzodiazepine, nimetazepam, MDMA, cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol and methamphetamine in vape preparations is clearly prohibited and illegal for use, particularly among minors or persons below the age of majority," Dr Dzulkefly said. "On the strength of that evidence alone, there is already a strong basis pointing towards a vape ban. That is a compelling argument."
The matter is currently under government consideration, with the Ministry of Health actively involved in the deliberative process.
Emergence of "Piu Piu" and Cross-Agency Enforcement
The urgency of the situation was amplified on June 11 when Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay disclosed the emergence of a new synthetic drug known as "Piu Piu," which has been detected in electronic cigarette liquids. The discovery, according to the Deputy Inspector-General, demonstrates precisely why such devices should be banned.
Dr Dzulkefly stressed that the Ministry of Health views the proliferation of contaminated vape liquids with grave concern and underscored the government's commitment to addressing the threat through a comprehensive, multi-agency approach. Enforcement efforts are no longer shouldered solely by the health ministry but are being carried out aggressively through strategic cross-agency cooperation involving the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Royal Malaysia Police (search).
Digital Cessation Tools and Public Health Infrastructure
Alongside enforcement measures, the Ministry of Health is expanding its digital health infrastructure to support nicotine addiction treatment. The Cik Era AI application, an artificial intelligence-based virtual companion providing digital guidance for individuals seeking to quit smoking or vaping, was first introduced during the Journey Home with Cik Era campaign in March.
Since its launch on March 15, Cik Era AI has recorded 17,412 user interactions, averaging 258 interactions daily. A subsequent promotional initiative, implemented through a strategic collaboration under the mQuit Services Memorandum of Understanding, has increased the daily interaction rate by 34% to 347 interactions per day as of June 15.
The Ministry has also strengthened access to treatment through the JomQuit platform, which brings together 90 registered private service providers and has assisted 9,349 clients since October 2024.
Legislative Framework
These support initiatives — mQuit, JomQuit, and Cik Era AI — complement the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The legislation forms the backbone of Malaysia's efforts to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and realize the aspiration of a smoke-free generation.
The Cik Era Rides the MRT Programme, launched at the same event, aims to promote public health messaging to approximately 200,000 daily passengers on the MRT Putrajaya Line, spanning from Putrajaya Sentral MRT Station to the TRX MRT Station.