The Royal Malaysia Police recorded 402 cases involving vape devices and liquids mixed with synthetic drugs up to April 2026, fueling calls for a national vape ban in Malaysia [1, 2, 3]. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the findings provide a strong basis for government action. He stated, "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. On the strength of that evidence alone, there is already a strong basis pointing towards a vape ban. That is a compelling argument" [1].
Among the synthetic drugs found in vaping liquids are benzodiazepine, nimetazepam, MDMA, cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, and methamphetamine, all illegal substances, especially for minors [1, 2, 3]. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, highlighted the detection of a new synthetic drug named "Piu Piu" in e-cigarette liquids. He said, "The emergence of a new synthetic drug known as 'Piu Piu', which has been detected in electronic cigarette liquids, demonstrated why the devices should be banned" [3].
Enforcement against illegal vape substances is a joint effort involving the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Royal Malaysia Police [1, 2, 3]. The Ministry of Health and its minister are actively involved in the government's ongoing consideration and process related to a potential vape ban [1, 2, 3].
In parallel with enforcement efforts, the government has launched public health campaigns. On June 20, 2026, the "Cik Era Rides the MRT Programme" was launched at the TRX MRT station to promote public health among the approximately 200,000 daily users of the Putrajaya MRT Line [1, 2, 3]. The campaign includes the Cik Era AI virtual companion app, introduced on March 15, 2026, designed to provide digital guidance for quitting smoking and vaping [2, 3]. Since its launch, the app has recorded 17,412 user interactions, with average daily interactions rising from 258 to 347 after recent promotion [2, 3].
Complementing the Cik Era app, the government integrates platforms such as mQuit and JomQuit with the 2024 Public Health Tobacco Products Control Order to support nicotine addiction treatment [2]. The JomQuit platform, launched in October 2024, has assisted 9,349 people since its inception [2].
