JOHOR BARU: A total of 450 vape and electronic cigarette products were seized in a state-wide operation by the Johor Health Department.
State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the operation is in support of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
He said it is part of Johor’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and ensure compliance with Act 852 and added that the latest sweep followed a raid on illegal vape sales at a popular shopping mall.
Ling added this led to further public complaints about unlicensed vape sellers in the city centre.
“To address these complaints, a joint operation was conducted on Wednesday (October 15),” he said.
He said agencies involved included the Health Ministry, MBJB, Customs and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Ling added that 142 enforcement officers were deployed and 157 premises were inspected.
“Significant breaches of the Actwere found,” he said on Saturday (Oct 18).
He said 122 warning notices were issued and 42 investigation papers opened and added 450 vape and electronic cigarette products were seized.
Ling said most offences involved failure to display no smoking signs and open display of tobacco or vape products.
He said selling to underage individuals also directly contravenes the law.
“These violations show the need for consistent monitoring and enforcement,” he said.
Ling reminded business operators that the Act is fully enforced by the Health Ministry.
He said all premises selling smoking products must comply with regulations and that
these include displaying official no smoking signage issued by the Health Ministry.
They also include not displaying, promoting or advertising tobacco and vape products.
He said sellers must not sell smoking products to minors and must follow smoke free area rules.
Ling then said the Johor government does not permit the sale of vape products at any premises statewide and added that local authorities can confiscate such products and act against offending business owners.
“The state government will continue working with all enforcement agencies to prioritise public health,” he said.
“Ops Selamat Paru Paru is a long term commitment to protect future generations from smoking and vaping,” he added.
