PUBLISHED ONNovember 05, 2026 11:49 AMBYSean LerA Malaysian man was sentenced to 18 months' jail on Thursday (Nov 5) for importing over 4,300 non-etomidate vaporiser pods in a Malaysia-registered van through Woodlands Checkpoint.
This is also the highest sentence imposed to date for the importation of non-etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA).
Syed Mohd Ridzuan Syed Yahya, 31, was arrested at Woodlands Checkpoint on July 10 after the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) search and examination officers found the pods concealed in the back panels and overhead compartment of the van during enhanced checks.
HSA said its officers seized the van and the vapes which were worth an estimated $22,000.
Another charge involving the possession of one vaporiser was also taken into consideration for sentencing, it added.
Its investigations revealed that Ridzuan had applied for jobs through a Facebook page in early June 2026 and was contacted by an unidentified male with a Malaysian phone number.
He then travelled from Malacca to Johor Bahru to meet the unknown person, who was referred to as "Boss".
A vehicle was then registered under Ridzuan's name and arrangements were made for him to stay in a rental house in Johor Bahru.
"Boss" also arranged a Malaysian SIM card for him, purportedly for communications relating to the pod deliveries.
The van was loaded with pods on the night of July 9, a day before Ridzuan was arrested.
The authority reiterated that it takes a serious view of offences involving the importation and supply of vaporisers and their components.
Under the TVCA, importers of vaporisers face mandatory imprisonment of up to nine years, and a fine of up to $300,000, while suppliers face mandatory imprisonment of up to six years, and a fine of up to $200,000.
Vehicles used in the commission of such offences will also be seized and liable to forfeiture under the TVCA's enhanced enforcement measures.
HSA also reminded would-be perpetrators that upon forfeiture, offenders will lose all claims to their vehicles.
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