KUALA LUMPUR, 06 November 2025: The Malaysian government is facing a critical fiscal challenge concerning e-cigarettes and vaping, as the cost of treating patients with vaping-related injuries has reportedly surpassed the revenue generated from the vaping product tax. This disparity was highlighted by the Health Ministry, raising serious questions about the financial and health implications of regulating the industry.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the government has collected approximately RM20.95 million in tax revenue from vape products since the duty was imposed. However, this revenue is overshadowed by the mounting public healthcare costs.
Costs Outstrip Revenue
The Ministry of Health (MOH) stated that the average cost to treat a single patient suffering from severe E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) totals approximately RM53,420.
According to the Ministry’s figures:
- Tax Revenue: Approximately RM20.95 million (or RM50.07 million, based on international reports).
- Treatment Cost: The total expenditure on treating EVALI patients has already reached a comparable figure, or in some reports, exceeded the revenue. A comparison reported by The Star indicated that the cost of treating EVALI patients, which includes an average 12-day hospital stay, is significant enough to outstrip the income derived from the vape tax revenue.
The disclosure underscores the severe financial burden that vaping-related illnesses place on the national healthcare system. The Ministry is using these figures to argue for stricter regulatory control over vape products, emphasising that the economic argument, coupled with the health risk, necessitates a comprehensive public health strategy.
