Macau, China, Mar. 6, 2026 (Lusa) - The Macau government presented a draft law on Friday that provides for the prohibition of the possession and consumption of electronic cigarettes, “in view of the risks associated with public health.”

The Macau Health Services announced the launch of a public consultation, between 8 March and 8 April, on the revision of the law on tobacco prevention and control.

Since 2018, the sale, advertising, and promotion of electronic cigarettes have been banned in Macau. In 2022, the Chinese region also banned the manufacture, distribution, import, export, and transport of these devices.

However, the head of the Office for the Prevention and Control of Smoking and Alcoholism of the Health Services acknowledged that residents have continued to use electronic cigarettes, which “due to their small size are easily concealable.”

“Electronic cigarettes are no better than traditional cigarettes. But with different flavours and different shapes, they are more attractive and manage to attract young people to consume them,” Lam Chong lamented.

“Some people, after a while, start smoking traditional cigarettes,” he added at a press conference.

In addition, the official warned that electronic cigarettes have been used “as a tool” for the consumption of illegal drugs, such as a new synthetic drug known as “space oil.”

“The population, in general, demands stronger enforcement of electronic cigarette consumption,” the Health Services argued in the public consultation document.

“Space oil,” produced from the anaesthetic etomidate, has already caused at least three deaths in the neighbouring region of Hong Kong. In Macau, the first seizure was made at a local school in October 2023.

The substance is known in Hong Kong as the ‘zombie drug’ because it can cause serious physical and mental damage, including addiction, memory loss, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death.

The Health Services emphasised that possession of electronic cigarettes has been banned in Singapore since 2018, and that Hong Kong will ban their use in public places from April 30.

“We hope that the revision can come into force next year, although there will be a transition period,” said Lam Chong.

After it comes into force, anyone caught in public with electronic cigarettes will face a fine of up to 1,500 patacas (160 euros).

The proposed law also provides for a ban on the manufacture, distribution, import, export, and transport into and out of Macau of nicotine pouches, plant-based cigarettes, and tobacco or paste for water pipes.

The goal, Lam Chong explained, is to ban these alternative tobacco products, which are not covered by current legislation, “before they become widespread” in the territory, particularly among young consumers.

The official warned that manufacturers have mistakenly described these products as “tobacco-free,” “harmless,” or “healthy substitutes” for conventional cigarettes.

Lam gave the example of smoking a hookah for 45 to 60 minutes, which he said was “equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes,” with “a higher amount of carbon monoxide.”

VQ/ADB // ADB.

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