AUTHORITIES seized nearly 2,000 vape-related products during a joint enforcement operation at a shopping mall here, as the Johor state government reaffirmed its strict ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes.
Chairman of the Johor State Health and Environment Committee, Ling Tian Soon, said the operation was carried out by the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) in collaboration with the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB).
“A total of 1,997 units of vape products were confiscated during the operation, including disposable vapes, flavourings and vaping devices,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook last night.
Ling confirmed that eight investigation papers were opened under Section 10(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, for failing to display signage prohibiting the sale of smoking products to minors.
Two additional cases were filed under Section 7(1) for illegal advertising of tobacco-related products.
The raid was led by Johor Bahru District Health Officer Dr Haidar Rizal Toha and Head of JKNJ’s Inspectorate and Legal Unit, Kayrul Hidayah Mansor, with Ling himself taking part.
The enforcement was conducted under the 2024 Act alongside the MBJB Licensing, Trade and Industry By-Laws 2016, under the Local Government Act.
Ling reiterated that there will be “no compromise” on illegal vape sales, noting that Johor has officially banned such products since 2016 and does not issue business licences for the sale of vapes or e-cigarettes.
“Vape sales are completely prohibited, and any party found violating this directive will face strict action.
“I want to clearly warn all traders not to sell vape products in any form,” he said.
He added that the state government, together with local authorities and JKNJ, will continue to ramp up enforcement efforts throughout Johor to safeguard public health — particularly that of the younger generation. - September 27, 2025
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