The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged regional governments nationwide to move actively in implementing the smoke-free area policy to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.

Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco (vape) use among Vietnamese youngsters is increasing at an alarming rate. There have been cases with students experiencing psychosis, hallucinations or near-death respiratory failure after smoking e-cigarettes, as the product is mixed with many unknown chemicals, which makes it more dangerous than regular cigarettes.

Laos plans to amend and supplement certain provisions of the law on drug prevention and control, with electronic cigarettes to be included in the list of substances and precursors classified as addictive.

Philippine police on November 20 began enforcing a ban imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte on the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces.

Plans have been proposed to increase tax on tobacco, ban electronic vapes and tighten online advertising of cigarettes.

Malaysia is considering banning the sale of electronic cigarettes following reports of deaths in the US linked to e-cigarettes, said the country’s Minister of Health Dzulkefly Ahmad on October 14.