KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Electronic cigarettes or vape smugglers will face the full brunt of the law when caught, Sinar Harian reported today amid a crackdown on tobacco and nicotine consumption in the country.

The newspaper cited deputy director-general of Customs (Enforcement and Compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad saying no compromise will be given to those caught smuggling vape products or any illicit goods, even if those involved are Customs personnel.

"Investigations from various angles will be conducted, including identifying who is the mastermind and the individuals involved.

"Customs will also identify the modus operandi carried out by the parties concerned,” he was quoted as saying.

He urged the public to come forward with information related to any smuggling activities by contacting the Customs call centre at 1-800-88-8855 or visiting the nearest Customs office in all states.

"The Customs Department also guarantees that the identity of the informant is kept confidential,” he was quoted as saying.

Sinar Harian had yesterday reported the existence of vape cartels and a purported "agreement” with the authorities to facilitate the entry of vape products into the country by sea and air routes, although no evidence was given to support the claim.

The Malay daily also reported today that the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is monitoring 33 premises with approved business licences to sell electronic cigarettes.

MPAJ public relations division head and secretariat Norhayati Ahmad said that the vape business licence has been approved under the activity of selling electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette flavours.

"The approval of the businesses is in line with the decision of the Licensing and Entrepreneur Development Committee Meeting No. 11/2021 and confirmed by the MPAJ's full board meeting,” she was quoted as saying.

She added that the business licence fee for selling flavourings and cigarettes is RM500, in accordance with the Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing Bylaw (MPAJ) 2007.

She told Sinar Harian that along with a complete application document, business owners who sell e-cigarette liquids or flavours must also submit a letter verifying that the factory is allowed to import liquid or flavours from the customs department.

Norhayati also added that these premises must comply with the basic conditions set by the municipal council as well as additional conditions set from time to time.

"Additional conditions include being prohibited from carrying out business activities other than those that have been approved, being prohibited from processing e-cigarette liquid flavours on business premises.

"It is forbidden to sell any electronic cigarette equipment to individuals under the age of 18 and individuals of that age are not allowed to enter electronic cigarette business premises,” she was quoted as saying.

Sinar Harian reported her emphasising that MPAJ will continue to monitor these premises after their business licences have been approved.

"Enforcement actions will be taken if the owner of the business premise does not have a valid business licence from the MPAJ,” she was quoted as saying.