Malaysia’s vape smuggling crackdown sparks fears over rising addiction
Recent arrests of vape smugglers at Malaysia's main airport have highlighted a growing health crisis linked to nicotine consumption. The smugglers, who allegedly bribed customs officers with up to US$45,000 monthly, were caught moving millions of dollars' worth of unregulated vapes, some laced with illegal drugs. This operation was uncovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which seized over 17.9 million ringgit (US$4 million) in goods and arrested 14 suspects following a three-month sting operation.
The smuggling issue is exacerbated by a legal loophole following the government's 2023 decision to remove liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act, inadvertently allowing minors to purchase vape products. While vaping is legal in most Malaysian states under strict regulations, certain areas like Johor and Terengganu maintain outright bans. The ongoing investigation by MACC aims to identify more individuals involved, as medical experts warn of the health risks posed by increased availability and consumption of these products.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Recent arrests of vape smugglers at Malaysia's main airport have highlighted a growing health crisis linked to nicotine consumption. The smugglers, who allegedly bribed customs officers with up to US$45,000 monthly, were caught moving millions of dollars' worth of unregulated vapes, some laced with illegal drugs. This operation was uncovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which seized over 17.9 million ringgit (US$4 million) in goods and arrested 14 suspects following a three-month sting operation.
The smuggling issue is exacerbated by a legal loophole following the government's 2023 decision to remove liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act, inadvertently allowing minors to purchase vape products. While vaping is legal in most Malaysian states under strict regulations, certain areas like Johor and Terengganu maintain outright bans. The ongoing investigation by MACC aims to identify more individuals involved, as medical experts warn of the health risks posed by increased availability and consumption of these products.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
