PUBLISHED ONFebruary 16, 2026 7:10 AMBYSean LerMalaysian law enforcement authorities seized nearly RM9 million (S$2.9 million) worth of e-cigarettes, e-vaporisers and related products following a six-day nationwide crackdown against youth vaping.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Feb 16), Fisol Salleh, acting director of the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department, said that the coordinated enforcement operation — codenamed Operation E-Cig Mega — was among the largest operations mounted against the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and e-vaporisers in the country.
The operation, which involved the Ministry of Health and Inland Revenue Board, commenced on Feb 10 in 13 states.
"During the operation, RM8,876,313 worth of e-cigarettes, e-vaporisers and related products were seized.
"The raids let to the seizure of RM4.69 million worth of vape liquid and RM4.11 million worth of devices," Fisol said.
A total of 181 persons were checked, leading to the arrest of four individuals — two Malaysians, one Indonesian and one Bangladesh national — for various offences including obstruction of public servants and immigration violations.
The enforcement operation also led to the issuance of fines, composition notices and tax notices worth a total of RM330,200.
Fisol also warned that the widespread use of e-cigarettes and e-vaporisers among school students and youths presents a growing concern, adding that the Ministry of Health had described vaping as "extremely dangerous" and "even more harmful" than cigarettes.
He added that the presence of drug-laced e-vaporiser pods presented an additional challenge.
Federal Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Dec 16 that the Malaysian government aims to fully implement the ban by mid-2026 or at the latest, by the end of the year, depending on the completion of necessary regulatory and legislative processes.
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