Singaporeans Circumvent Ban on E-cigarette through Malaysia Shopping Trips

Market by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.10.2024
Singaporeans Circumvent Ban on E-cigarette through Malaysia Shopping Trips
Despite Singapore's ban on e-cigarettes, many locals still obtain them from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, according to Lianhe Zaobao report.

According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on December 9th, despite the ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes in Singapore, many Singaporeans are still obtaining these products from Johor Bahru, Malaysia.


A journalist from Xin Ming Daily visited a popular shopping area in Johor Bahru, Johor, and found that these stores openly display a variety of e-cigarettes and accessories. Some stores sell over 50 different flavors and brands of e-cigarettes, but prices are not clearly marked. An employee in the area stated that, although the state also prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes, enforcement is lax, leading many businesses to start selling these products. Among their customers, 70% are Singaporeans, and the usual purchase amount is less than 150 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 45 Singapore Dollars).


Another seller revealed that the majority of customers are from Singapore, accounting for more than half of sales. Singaporean customers typically shop in English, while local customers, due to having more options, rarely visit.


According to Singaporean laws, individuals who carry, use, or purchase e-cigarettes will face fines of up to 2000 Singapore dollars. Importing, distributing, selling, or providing e-cigarettes and their components is illegal, and offenders will face fines of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars or 6 months imprisonment, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to 20,000 Singapore dollars or imprisoned for 12 months, or both.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Tobacco harm reduction advocates criticize COP11 for limiting public participation and call for inclusion of harm reduction products in discussions
Tobacco harm reduction advocates criticize COP11 for limiting public participation and call for inclusion of harm reduction products in discussions
The Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) will convene in Geneva in November to discuss global tobacco control policies. Tobacco harm reduction advocates worry that the meeting may only avoid further policy damage without achieving substantive progress. They point out that COP11 limits public participation and call for strengthened discussion on safe nicotine products.
Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
InterTabac 2025 Insights|"0+10" Combination E-cigarettes Become a New Trend, VOZOL, smiss, MEGA BAR, and Others Launch New Products
InterTabac 2025 Insights|"0+10" Combination E-cigarettes Become a New Trend, VOZOL, smiss, MEGA BAR, and Others Launch New Products
At the InterTabac 2025 exhibition, brands like VOZOL, smiss, and MEGA BAR introduced a new trend with their "2+10" and "0+10" combination refillable e-cigarettes. These devices pair empty pods with 10ml e-liquid bottles, complying with German regulations while offering users greater flexibility.
Sep.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jinlong Machinery & Electronics Co., Ltd. Subsidiary Xingke Electronics Secures Renewal of E-Cigarette Processing License, Valid Until July 2026
Jinlong Machinery & Electronics Co., Ltd. Subsidiary Xingke Electronics Secures Renewal of E-Cigarette Processing License, Valid Until July 2026
Jinlong Machinery & Electronics Co., Ltd. (300032.SZ) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Xingke Electronics (Dongguan) Co., Ltd., received on August 26, 2025, the renewed Tobacco Monopoly Production Enterprise License (for e-cigarette contract manufacturing) from the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration. The license is valid until July 31, 2026. While the renewal ensures the company can continue to operate its e-cigarette business legally within the permitted scope, the company also ca
Aug.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Alliance Criticizes Singapore’s Policy: Confusing Illegal “Drug Pods” with Legal E-Cigarettes May Fuel Black Market Circulation
Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Alliance Criticizes Singapore’s Policy: Confusing Illegal “Drug Pods” with Legal E-Cigarettes May Fuel Black Market Circulation
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has expressed concern over Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent announcement to treat e-cigarettes as a “drug issue” and impose imprisonment penalties. CAPHRA stated that this policy confuses illegal products containing etomidate with legal nicotine devices, goes against harm reduction science, deprives adult smokers of access to safer alternatives, and may instead fuel black market circulation.
Aug.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Vape Shop Proposes Deposit Scheme to Tackle Recycling Issue
UK Vape Shop Proposes Deposit Scheme to Tackle Recycling Issue
A vape shop owner in Shrewsbury has suggested a refundable deposit system to improve vape recycling, as current measures fail to prevent improper disposal despite specialized bins. Waste firms report ongoing challenges, including facility fires.
Sep.10
Singapore Cracks Down on Vaping: Over 3,700 Offenders Caught Between April and June
Singapore Cracks Down on Vaping: Over 3,700 Offenders Caught Between April and June
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced that more than 3,700 people were caught and fined for possessing or using vapes between April and June 2024, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous quarter. Authorities have intensified enforcement at military camps, training schools, and border checkpoints, while imposing tougher actions on cases involving “Kpods” laced with etomidate.
Aug.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai