Miri Health Department Raids on E-cigarettes – RM500,000 Worth of Contraband Seized

(Miri, 12th) On the 10th of this month, the Miri Health Department launched a large-scale joint enforcement operation, focusing on cracking down on the sale of e-cigarette products in violation of the 2024 Public Health Control of Smoking Products Act (Act 852).

This operation was jointly carried out by the Miri Health Department, Miri 12th Battalion General Operations Force, Miri Police, and Miri City Council, mobilizing a total of 30 enforcement personnel to ensure the action was comprehensive, coordinated, and effective.

During the operation, several e-cigarette sales points in the city center were inspected, with four found to have committed violations. Various types of suspected illegal e-cigarette products were confiscated, with an estimated total value of RM500,000. In accordance with Act 852 Section 15(1), three violation notices were issued regarding packaging and labeling not meeting the stipulated requirements. Further prosecution will be considered based on subsequent investigation results.

All confiscated items have been properly recorded and will be handled in accordance with existing legal procedures. Enforcement and monitoring activities will continue to be strengthened without prior notice to ensure businesses comply with the regulations.

The authorities emphasized that there will be no compromise for violations of Act 852. All e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer operators must fully comply with guidelines, licensing conditions, and regulatory requirements, or face confiscation, fines, or strict law enforcement measures such as court prosecution.

The Miri Health Department reiterated that it will continue to step up enforcement to protect public health and curb the sale and distribution of non-compliant e-cigarette products in Miri.