THE government wants to impose an excise duty on nicotine-based products used in electric cigarettes and vapes, Anwar Ibrahim said when retabling Budget 2023 today.

The prime minister-cum-finance minister said the duty will be introduced, although vape products are not legally recognised in Malaysia.

“Vape nicotine is still illegal, but has been sold widely with an estimation of more than RM2 billion in sales. It would be good if it is regulated and made taxable so it reduces the use of vaping,” he said.

Anwar also said the government supports the generational end game effort, which was introduced by the last administration.

He said half of these excise duties will be allocated to the Health Ministry as efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services. – February 24, 2023.