By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Johor’s health chairman says syndicates are targeting young Malaysians to carry contraband across the Causeway.
- More than 15,000 vape products seized at Singapore crossings in June–July alone.
- Malaysia’s federal government is preparing to propose a nationwide ban on vaping.
Malaysian authorities have warned young people not to be tempted by syndicates offering cash to smuggle vaping products into Singapore, cautioning that offenders face Singapore’s strict penalties alone.
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the state, which has banned all vape sales since 2016, is increasingly concerned about locals being targeted by smuggling networks.
“Some syndicates are using social media and e-commerce platforms to sell vapes to avoid action from the authorities. Others are luring locals, particularly youth, to smuggle contraband across the Causeway or Second Link by offering large sums of money,” he said.
Ling pointed out that both Johor and Singapore have already banned the sale and use of vapes, which makes syndicates “more desperate” in their methods. “There is no such thing as easy money. Once caught by the Singapore authorities, they will have to face the consequences of breaking the law there,” he said.
Singapore has seen frequent seizures. Over 15,000 vapes and parts were confiscated at land crossings in June and July, including two major raids totaling 7,400 items at Woodlands Checkpoint. On Aug. 6, Johor Customs intercepted a truck at the Second Link crossing with 256 boxes of vape liquid pods hidden behind the driver’s seat.
Ling said Johor supports the federal Health Ministry’s plan to present a Cabinet Memorandum to ban vaping nationwide. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has committed to submitting the proposal this year, emphasizing the government’s stance that “it is not a matter of if, but when.”
