Sabah GOF seizes illegal e-cigarettes, vapes worth over RM600,000 in multi-district raids

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 17): The Sabah General Operations Force (GOF) seized thousands of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) devices, vapes and e-liquids worth more than RM635,000 during a simultaneous integrated operation covering seven districts on Thursday.

Op Taring Alpha 3, which also involved teams from the Ministry of Health (MoE) and local authorities, also apprehended 23 individuals.

GOF Sabah commander SAC Nor Omar Sappi said the operation covered Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Beluran, Keningau and Semporna.

“The objective was to strengthen enforcement against the illegal sale and possession of e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals, aged between 20 and 35, consisting of 18 men and five women.

“All suspects are local citizens with no criminal record.

“The seizure involved 9,000 units of e-cigarettes, 3,000 units of vapes and 1,915 units of e-liquid with a total value estimated at RM635,262,” he said in a statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 10(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which upon conviction, provides for a fine of up to RM20,000 for a first offence, or RM30,000 for a repeat offence, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

According to Nor Omar, some cases are also being investigated under Section 15 of the same Act, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM500 or a community service order, in addition to investigations under the Trade Licensing Ordinance 1949 by the local authorities.

“All arrests and seizures have been handed over to the relevant agencies for investigation and further action,” he added.

Nor Omar also urged the public to provide information regarding the illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids to assist enforcement efforts.