KUALA LUMPUR (May 28): Nasdaq-listed Ispire Technology Inc has secured Malaysia’s first and only nicotine manufacturing licence, allowing it to start producing nicotine products immediately in a state that has banned vape sales since 2016.
The US-based e-cigarette and cannabis vape company announced the interim licence approval in a May 22 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, though details were limited.
Ispire had earlier opened a 31,000 sq ft factory in Senai, Johor, through its unit, Ispire Malaysia Sdn Bhd. A March 2025 investor presentation stated that production at the plant began in February 2024 with up to seven production lines.
With the licence, Ispire can now begin making and selling nicotine products in Malaysia. Co-chief executive officer Michael Wang said the plant will expand from six to 80 production lines, with final licence approval expected soon.
This comes as some Malaysian states — Terengganu, Perlis, and Kedah — have banned vaping or stopped issuing licences. The federal health minister has also voiced support for limiting vape sales.
The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy in a statement on Wednesday called the licence a “worrying development” and urged a response from authorities. Its CEO, Azrul Mohd Khalib, questioned if Malaysia wants to be seen as a major exporter of e-cigarette products and criticised Johor for inconsistency, as it had banned vape sales in 2016.
Azrul also challenged Ispire’s claim of making medical devices in Malaysia, saying vape products are not recognised as such by the Medical Device Authority, and that the claim could confuse the public and weaken regulations.
