Does vaping cause deaths?

The Health Ministry admitted that it is difficult to ascertain deaths caused purely by vaping.

“The ministry has received five reports on deaths that are likely to be caused by vaping since 2019 to June 2025.

“Even though there are death cases of individuals who use electronic cigarettes or vape, the direct link between vape usage and cause of death is difficult to be ascertained due to limitations in clinical evidence and other factors that contributed to the death,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in his written reply to Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan).

Wan Razali had queried on the number of deaths related to electronic cigarettes and vape. He also asked on the government effort to curtail teenagers and children from vaping.

Dzulkefly also said that as of June this year. there were 83 cases involving patient who use smoking products including vape.

“Of this number 44 involves serious complications on the lungs and 39 are complication that does not involve the lungs directly,” he said.

As for government efforts, it has enforced the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 as well as conduct prevention and intervention programmes for school children.