KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Kuala Langat MP Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi today called for a police investigation into a cannabis vape factory in Johor operated by Ispire Technology Inc.
The head of Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) health committee cited public information in United States’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and investor presentations by the Nasdaq-listed cannabis and nicotine vape company, which is based in California, about its Malaysia operations.
“According to a statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the manufacturing licence for Ispire’s factory in Senai was issued by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
“However, questions arise as to whether the MIDA approval also covers the manufacture of cannabis-related products that are clearly subject to the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (DDA),” Dr Ahmad Yunus said in a statement.
He also asked if the police had any information about the manufacture of cannabis vaporisers in Ispire’s manufacturing facility in Senai, Johor, pointing out that this issue involved the rule of law and the country’s image in its war on drugs.
“If it is true that approval was granted for the production of vaporiser products used for cannabis, this raises serious questions about the consistency and firmness of Malaysia’s drug policy,” added the PAS lawmaker from Selangor.
“Malaysia has long been known for its strict approach towards any form of drug distribution, possession, and manufacturing, including cannabis, which remains a prohibited substance under existing laws.”
Dr Ahmad Yunus called for an immediate investigation by the police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) to prevent any violations of the DDA, as well as an official explanation from both the MOH and MIDA on whether Ispire’s manufacturing licence covers cannabis-related products.
The Opposition MP further called for transparency and thoroughness in checking on foreign investments that may touch on sensitive issues related to narcotics, even if these may be characterised as medicine in other countries.
“Malaysia cannot compromise on drug-related issues that have a huge impact on public welfare and national security.”
CodeBlue reported earlier today Ispire as saying in its quarterly report for the period ended March 31, 2025, filed with the SEC last May 9, that it is “currently able to manufacture a wide range of cannabis hardware in Malaysia and import into the US”.
Ispire was touting lower costs to its customers by moving some of its manufacturing operations from China to Malaysia, due to the US tariff differential between China and Malaysia following US President Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs in April.
In an investor presentation in Las Vegas last April, Ispire said it produces “mainly cannabis-related products” in its Malaysia manufacturing facility, compared to nicotine products that only had one of up to seven production lines.
Although Ispire’s quarterly report said the company does not “touch the cannabis plant” in the production and sale of its hardware products, Malaysia’s DDA provides for the seizure of drug-related equipment beyond the illicit drug itself.
Ispire broke in Malaysian news when the e-cigarette company announced last May 22 about receiving an interim nicotine manufacturing licence from Malaysia, touted as the country’s first federal and exclusive nicotine manufacturing licence. Ispire’s local unit, Ispire Malaysia Sdn Bhd, is registered as a medical device company.
