Lianhe Zaobao: E-cigarettes Are Openly Sold in Popular Shopping Areas in Malaysia, And 70% Of Customers Are From Singapore

Lianhe Zaobao: E-cigarettes are openly sold in popular shopping areas in Malaysia, and 70% of customers are from Singapore

Local media reporters in Singapore visited and found that Johor Bahru, Malaysia has become a gray market for e-cigarettes, attracting 70% of Singaporean customers. Merchants said this was due to the relatively relaxed law enforcement environment in the local area.

According to Lianhe Zaobao on December 9, although Singapore has banned the use and sale of e-cigarettes, many Singaporeans still get this product from Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The media reporter visited the popular shopping district in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, and found that these stores openly displayed various types of e-cigarettes and their accessories. Some stores sell more than 50 different flavors and brands of e-cigarettes, but the prices are not clearly marked. An employee in the area said that although the state also prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes, the law enforcement is relatively loose, causing many merchants to start selling these products. Among them, Singaporeans account for 70% of their total customers, and the purchase amount is usually less than 150 Malaysian ringgits (about 35 US dollars) each time.

Another seller revealed that most customers are from Singapore, accounting for more than 50% of their turnover. Singaporean customers usually shop in English, while local customers rarely visit because they have more choices.

According to relevant laws in Singapore, those who carry, use or purchase e-cigarettes will face a fine of up to S$2,000 (about US$1,500); importing, distributing, selling or providing e-cigarettes and their parts is illegal, and offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,500) or 6 months in prison, or both; repeat offenders may be fined up to S$20,000 (US$15,000) or imprisoned for 12 months, or both.