Joint law enforcement in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, seized 1,997 e-cigarette products and investigated eight violations

Key points:

• Law enforcement update: On September 27, 2025, at a shopping center in Johor, Malaysia, the Johor Health Department (JKNJ) and Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) confiscated 1997 units of e-cigarette products. In accordance with the 2024 Public Health Smoking Products Control Act and the 2016 Johor Bahru City Council regulations, 8 investigations for "failing to display no sale of tobacco to minors signs" and 2 cases of "illegal advertising of tobacco-related products" have been initiated. 
• Johor's ban on sales: Since 2016, the sale of e-cigarettes has been officially prohibited in Johor, with no issuance of sales licenses. The Chairman of the Johor Health and Environment Committee, Ling Tianshun, has repeatedly emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal sales and publicly warned businesses against selling e-cigarettes in any form. 
• Future measures and objectives: The state government plans to collaborate with local authorities and the Johor Health Department to strengthen enforcement efforts throughout the state, with the goal of safeguarding public health, particularly focusing on protecting the younger generation and demonstrating a commitment to youth health.

2Firsts, on September 29, 2025 - According to The Vibes' report on September 27, a raid in Johor Bahru, Malaysia uncovered nearly 2000 e-cigarette products.

Johor State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Shun reiterated that there will be "no compromise" on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, stating that Johor has officially banned such products since 2016.

As the Johor state government reiterates its ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, authorities seized nearly 2000 products related to e-cigarettes in a joint enforcement operation at a local shopping center.

Ling Tian Shun stated that this operation was jointly carried out by the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) and the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB).

In a statement posted on Facebook, he stated: "Authorities confiscated a total of 1997 e-cigarette products during the operation, including disposable e-cigarettes and e-cigarette devices.

Ling Tianshun confirmed that, according to Article 10(1) of the 2024 Public Health Tobacco Control Act, 8 investigation files have been opened due to failure to display signs prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.

In addition, there were 2 cases filed based on Article 7(1) for illegal advertisements of tobacco-related products.

This enforcement was carried out in accordance with the 2024 Act and the Licensing, Trade and Industrial Bylaws of the City Hall of New Shan issued under the Local Government Act 2016.

Ling Tian Shun reiterated his stance of "no compromise" on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, and pointed out that Johor state has officially banned such products since 2016, and will not issue business licenses for the sale of e-cigarettes or cigarettes.

He said, "The sale of e-cigarettes is completely prohibited, and any party found violating this directive will face severe measures. I want to make it clear to all businesses, do not sell e-cigarette products in any form.

He also added that the state government will work together with local authorities and the Johor State Health Department to continue strengthening law enforcement efforts throughout the state of Johor to ensure public health, especially the health of the younger generation.