70% of customers come from S'pore, says JB vape merchant

Despite Singapore's ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes, many people in Singapore reportedly source e-vaporisers, or vapes, from Johor Bahru (JB) across the border.

Although the sale of vapes is also illegal in the state of Johor, relaxed enforcement has led to the proliferation of retailers offering these products.

One merchant interviewed by Shin Min Daily News (Shin Min) claimed that Singaporeans make up 70 per cent of their customers.

Vapes on display

A Shin Min reporter visited popular shopping districts in Johor Bahru frequented by Singaporeans and found stores openly displaying a variety of e-cigarettes and cartridges.

Some shops carried over 50 different flavours and brands, but prices were not clearly listed.

A staff member at B-point, a shopping area near the JB checkpoint, attributed its popularity among Singaporeans to its convenient location.

“There are restaurants, gas stations, car washes, and money changers in this area, which can meet most needs. Many Singaporeans also come here to buy e-cigarettes,” the staff member said.

They added that Singaporeans account for about 70 per cent of the store's e-cigarette customers and noted that such customers don't buy in large quantities — each purchase is typically under RM150 (approximately S$45).

Smoking for the weekend

Local buyers interviewed by Shin Min said they didn’t feel they were breaking the law as long as they only smoked in JB and didn’t bring the vapes into Singapore.

Kenny, a 40-year-old customer, shared that he visits JB weekly for shopping but doesn’t specifically go to buy e-cigarettes.

"I smoke on weekdays, and I come here to buy e-cigarettes to change the flavour. I always buy disposable ones, usually 2,000 puffs, and usually throw them away after I smoke them on the same day."

He said that the price of electronic cigarettes in JB is two-thirds cheaper than the local black market price.

Another customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, admitted knowing that e-cigarettes are banned in Johor. However, since stores sell them openly, he continues to use them.

Most stalls sell other products as well

Shin Min reported that another shopping mall, located about 5 kilometres from the JB checkpoint, houses at least 20 stalls selling e-cigarettes.

However, most of these stalls also sell other products such as computer or mobile phone accessories, with only a few specialising in e-cigarettes.

An assistant at one stall specialising in e-cigarettes said:

“Most of our customers are from Singapore, accounting for more than 50 per cent of our turnover. I can tell because they usually speak English when shopping. Local customers rarely come here to buy as they have more choices outside."

Merchant encouraged sale

When a Shin Min reporter inquired about e-cigarettes, some merchants actively encouraged the purchase and assured them there would be no issue bringing the products into Singapore.

One merchant reportedly advised, “You can unpack the packaging and parts first, so they won’t be so conspicuous. You won’t get caught if you bring some in (across the border).”

Under Singapore's Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, the possession, use or purchase of e-vaporisers in carries a fine of up to S$2,000.

It is also an offence to import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components.

Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$20,000, or jailed up to 12 months or both.

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Photo via Shin Min Daily News