Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over USD 156,333 in seven-district operation

Key Takeaways

• Location: seven districts across Sabah, Malaysia

• Seizure: 9,000 e-cigarette units, 3,000 vape units, 1,915 e-liquid units

• Estimated value: RM635,262 (about USD 156,333.53)

• Detentions: 23 locals aged 20–35 (18 men, five women), with no criminal records

• Legal basis: investigations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 and the Trade Licensing Ordinance 1949

2Firsts, January 19, 2026 – According to the Borneo Post, Sabah’s General Operations Force (GOF) seized thousands of e-cigarette (e-cigarette) devices, vapes and e-liquids worth more than RM635,000 during a simultaneous integrated operation across seven districts on Thursday, and detained 23 individuals.

Sabah GOF commander SAC Nor Omar Sappi said Op Taring Alpha 3 covered Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Beluran, Keningau and Semporna. The operation also involved teams from the Ministry of Health (described as MoE in the report) and local authorities, and aimed to strengthen enforcement against the illegal sale and possession of e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids.

Nor Omar said 23 suspects aged 20 to 35 were detained, comprising 18 men and five women. He said 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 an estimated total value of RM635,262 (about USD 156,333.53).

The report says 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 (about USD 4,921.86) for a first offence, or RM30,000 (about USD 7,382.79) for a repeat offence, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Nor Omar said some cases are also being investigated under Section 15 of the same Act, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM500 (about USD 123.05) or a community service order, alongside investigations under the Trade Licensing Ordinance 1949 by local authorities.

Nor Omar said all arrests and seizures have been handed over to the relevant agencies for investigation and further action, and urged the public to provide information regarding the illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids to assist enforcement efforts.

Photo source: Borneo Post