JOHOR is stepping up efforts to weed out vape traders after they were found openly selling such products in shopping centres in the city.
Despite the sale of vape being banned in Johor, some traders are brazenly selling them, said state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said an operation by the state Health Department at a mall here recently seized more than 1,900 vape-related items.
“The vape products were found in clear display cases at stalls selling electronic items such as portable fans and mobile phone accessories.
“The items seized included disposable vapes, vape devices and flavoured liquids.
“The products mostly have modern packaging and come in a variety of flavours, which appeal to younger consumers,” said Ling.
From the operation, 10 notices were also issued against the traders for violating the law.
The vape ban has been enforced in Johor since 2016.
“Traders in Johor must remember that this ruling is still in force across all 16 local councils statewide,” said Ling.
“The state government will work closely with the Health Department and related government agencies to clamp down on the sale of vape in Johor,” he said.
“The vape issue is not a trivial matter and should be taken seriously by all,” he added.
He also urged the public to report sale of vape and e-cigarettes, whether at malls or premises, to the local authorities.
On Sept 26, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was targeting the middle of next year to ban vape products nationwide.
He said the move emphasised the ministry’s commitment against the smoking habit.
