By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Jan 20: A vape retailer was fined RM20,000 by the Magistrates’ Court today after admitting to illegally promoting electronic cigarettes at its premises last year.
A 33-year-old outlet manager, who represented the company, pleaded guilty when the charge was read before Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan.
The prosecution said the company advertised vape products using posters bearing promotional messages, including “Best Value for Money”, which contravened Section 9(1) of the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024.
The charge was framed under Section 9(3) of the same Act, which carries a minimum fine of RM20,000 and a maximum fine of RM100,000, or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
During mitigation, the defence argued for a lighter sentence, stating that it was the company’s first offence and assuring the court that the conduct would not be repeated.
However, prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim submitted that companies and individuals are barred from promoting smoking-related products, including tobacco substitutes, whether in physical outlets or on social media platforms, as such marketing may encourage public consumption.
He noted that the offence is non-compoundable and urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent to other operators in the industry.
In a separate case before a different magistrate, another vape retailer claimed trial to a charge relating to the display of smoking products under Section 10(1) of the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024. The company, represented by counsel, pleaded not guilty to operating a specialty vape outlet where the products were visible from outside the premises.
Prosecuting officer Tazudin Murni requested a new mention date for case management, and the court fixed Feb 23 for the next hearing. — DayakDaily
