Raids target vape stores in Malaysia

Vape stores in Malaysia have been the target of nationwide raids carried out to seize nicotine-based vapes, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

An official from the Health Ministry told The Star that the move was undertaken to monitor the nicotine content in vaping fluids. The sale and use of e-cigarettes containing nicotine are subject to the Poisons Act 1952 and Food Act 1983 under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.

Deputy health director-general Datuk Dr. Lokman Hakim said in a statement that action would be taken against sellers and users of e-cigarettes that contained nicotine under the Poisons Act 1952.

Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities president Samsul Kamal Arriffin says that more than 300 stores have been raided by the Health Ministry.

Among the stores raided following the discovery of products containing nicotine was a vape store in Shah Alam.

The store’s owner claims officers from the Health Ministry have confiscated more than 3,000 bottles of vape liquid worth RM100,000.

Dr. Lokman announced Nov. 4 that the Health Ministry would intensify the campaign against e-cigarettes or vaping: “The ministry’s message to the community is do not use e-cigarettes or vaping as it is harmful to your health in the long-term,” he said.