GOF Sarawak crackdown nets over RM1.3 mln in illegal e-cigarettes, vape products

KUCHING (Feb 12): The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade seized more than 7,000 electronic cigarette devices and vape liquids worth over RM1.3 million during Op Bersepadu E-Cigarette Mega across the state on February 10.

GOF Sarawak Brigade Commander SAC Lim Bak Phai said the operation was conducted jointly with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), and local authorities as part of a nationwide simultaneous crackdown.

The operation covered several districts, with inspections carried out on 20 premises suspected of selling and distributing e-cigarette products illegally.

“A total of 20 premises operators were inspected, and we seized 7,363 units of e-cigarette devices along with 203.823 liters of e-liquid.

“Various types of cigarettes worth RM7,017.30 were also seized, bringing the total value of confiscated items to approximately RM1.32 million,” he said in a statement.

Lim added that the strategic collaboration between the GOF and other enforcement agencies aims to ensure compliance with regulations controlling tobacco products, protect public health, and curb illegal sales and tax evasion.

All items seized during the operation were handed over to the MoH for further action under prevailing laws.

During the same operation, the MoH issued 20 notices under the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health Act 2024, while local authorities and the IRB conducted enforcement under their respective jurisdictions.

Lim said the GOF Sarawak Brigade, in collaboration with the MoH, will continue to intensify enforcement operations and issue stern warnings to any parties involved in the illegal sale or distribution of e-cigarettes.