The Malaysian government has successfully recorded a revenue of RM2.095 million in electronic cigarette (vape) product tax collection from April 2023 to August.
However, this figure is still not able to match the cost of treating patients related to vape throughout the past year.
The cost of treating E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) is estimated to reach RM223.5 million, which is higher than the tax collection for the product.
The Ministry of Health has recorded 46 cases of EVALI from 2019 to September.
The average cost of treatment is estimated to be RM150,892.11 with an average hospital stay of 12 days.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, although the vape industry contributes strong revenue through tax and duty collection, the actual cost of treating cases related to the use of electronic cigarettes is disproportionate.
The ministry explained that the high cost of treatment shows the urgent need for tighter controls on vaping products.
This includes proposals for increased taxes and more comprehensive regulations as a measure to address the public health implications.
The government is considering various regulatory actions such as increasing vaping duties and possible ban regulations to reduce use among young people.
