Singaporeans Circumvent Ban on E-cigarette through Malaysia Shopping Trips

Market by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.10.2024
Singaporeans Circumvent Ban on E-cigarette through Malaysia Shopping Trips
Despite Singapore's ban on e-cigarettes, many locals still obtain them from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, according to Lianhe Zaobao report.

According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on December 9th, despite the ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes in Singapore, many Singaporeans are still obtaining these products from Johor Bahru, Malaysia.


A journalist from Xin Ming Daily visited a popular shopping area in Johor Bahru, Johor, and found that these stores openly display a variety of e-cigarettes and accessories. Some stores sell over 50 different flavors and brands of e-cigarettes, but prices are not clearly marked. An employee in the area stated that, although the state also prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes, enforcement is lax, leading many businesses to start selling these products. Among their customers, 70% are Singaporeans, and the usual purchase amount is less than 150 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 45 Singapore Dollars).


Another seller revealed that the majority of customers are from Singapore, accounting for more than half of sales. Singaporean customers typically shop in English, while local customers, due to having more options, rarely visit.


According to Singaporean laws, individuals who carry, use, or purchase e-cigarettes will face fines of up to 2000 Singapore dollars. Importing, distributing, selling, or providing e-cigarettes and their components is illegal, and offenders will face fines of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars or 6 months imprisonment, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to 20,000 Singapore dollars or imprisoned for 12 months, or both.


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