KUALA LUMPUR: Ten premises selling electronic cigarettes (vapes) were raided by the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade under Ops E-Cig Mega.
Central Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Hakemal Hawari said the operation, which was carried out at shopping complexes in Lorong Haji Taib, found that all the premises raided had committed various offences.
“Checks revealed that all the premises were involved in multiple offences, including operating without valid licences or permits, failure to pay taxes, selling unregistered products, and offences under local authorities and the Health Ministry,” he said during a media briefing at one of the shopping complexes in the capital.
He added that some premises were also found to have issues related to the employment of foreign workers.
SAC Hakemal said the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Health Ministry, local authorities and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
“The inspections covered various aspects, including devices, flavours, licences, permits and tax compliance. Matters involving product contents and prohibited substances will be examined further by the Health Ministry,” he said.
He said that the total amount and value of items seized were still being verified, while further action would be taken based on the nature of the offences and the respective agencies’ jurisdictions.
He said Ops E-Cig Mega was conducted simultaneously nationwide by the Department of Internal Security and Public Order.
“The operation was carried out following the rampant sale of vapes without authorisation. Several premises were identified before inspections were conducted,” he said.
“For the Central Brigade, similar operations were also carried out in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor,” he added.
He noted that the total quantity and value of items seized were still being verified, while further action would be taken based on the nature of the offences and the respective agencies’ jurisdictions.
