Malaysia

Johor targets open vape sales in malls despite statewide ban

Authorities seize nearly 2,000 vape products in city mall raid as state steps up enforcement ahead of Malaysia’s proposed 2026 nationwide ban

Updated 10 months ago · Published on 17 Oct 2025 9:37AM

Johor targets open vape sales in malls despite statewide ban
The vape issue is not a trivial matter and should be taken seriously by all - October 17, 2025

JOHOR is tightening enforcement against the unlawful sale of vaping products, following a raid that uncovered open displays of such items in a city shopping mall, despite the state’s long-standing ban in place since 2016.

Chairman of the Johor Health and Environment Committee, Ling Tian Soon, said over 1,900 vape-related products were confiscated in the operation conducted by the Johor Health Department.

The seized items included disposable vapes, vaping devices, and flavoured liquids.

“The vape products were found in clear display cases at stalls selling electronic items such as portable fans and mobile phone accessories,” said Ling.

He noted that the items were attractively packaged and offered in a variety of flavours, clearly aimed at appealing to younger consumers. Ten enforcement notices were issued to traders found flouting the law.

“Traders in Johor must remember that this ruling is still in force across all 16 local councils statewide,” he warned.

Ling said the state government will continue to work closely with the Health Department and other relevant agencies to stem the tide of illegal vape sales.

“The vape issue is not a trivial matter and should be taken seriously by all,” he stressed, urging members of the public to report the sale of vape or e-cigarette products—whether in malls or elsewhere—to the relevant local authorities.

On a national level, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has announced the federal government’s intention to implement a full nationwide ban on vape products by mid-2026, part of broader efforts to reduce smoking-related harm across Malaysia. - October 17, 2025

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