Malaysia Seizes 300,000 Smuggled E-cigarettes

On September 3rd, the customs of Port Barisan in Malaysia seized approximately 300,000 electronic cigarettes. Investigators stated that these electronic cigarettes originated from China and were originally intended to enter the black market in Singapore.
These containers were declared as furniture. On July 30th, they arrived at Port Barisan from China and underwent unpacking inspection. Customs officials discovered cardboard boxes wrapped in green plastic bags inside. They indicated that this packaging method has long been associated with smuggling groups. This operation resulted in the seizure of 300,000 electronic cigarettes without the health warnings required by Malaysian laws, packaged under the brand "Salthub".

The investigators believe that the smugglers planned to transport the electronic cigarettes by land to Singapore. Although Singapore has completely banned the import of electronic cigarettes, the demand for them has soared. The Straits Times reported that informed sources disclosed that there are multiple online platforms in Singapore that have been promoting this brand of electronic cigarettes.
This seizure occurred at a time when Singapore was intensifying its crackdown on electronic cigarettes. From January 2024 to March 2025, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority seized electronic cigarette products worth 41 million Singapore dollars (approximately 31.8 million US dollars), which was nearly five times the total amount seized from 2019 to 2023. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, 19 major cases of electronic cigarette smuggling were detected at air, land, and sea checkpoints.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore stated that it is using data analysis, scanning equipment, and handheld detectors to detect contraband, and has also increased personnel to strengthen border control. Prime Minister of Singapore Heng Swee Keat emphasized in his speech at the National Day Mass Meeting on August 17 that the Singapore government's position is to impose heavier penalties and treat electronic cigarettes as a drug issue.
Since September 1 this year, those who hold or use electronic cigarettes in Singapore will face higher fines: 500 Singapore dollars for those under 18 years old, and 700 Singapore dollars for adults. Repeat offenders may be ordered to undergo mandatory rehabilitation. According to the Misuse of Drugs Act, those who sell electronic cigarettes containing synthetic drugs will face more severe penalties.
Malaysia has also strengthened port law enforcement. In recent years, customs have not only seized smuggled electronic cigarettes but also found several tons of drugs hidden in freight containers. According to the report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Port of Penang, one of the busiest hub ports in Southeast Asia, has become a key transit point for illegal drugs and electronic cigarettes passing through the region.