A small stall selling vape and e-cigarette-related paraphernalia in the outskirts of the city centre here has become a popular destination for many Singaporeans.
Located at a restaurant just outside the city centre in the Tampoi area,the stall has been catering to locals, as well as Singaporean youths,who crave the fruity vapours from electronic devices.
Called Vape Heaven Malaysia, the two-month old stall is run by a 28-year-old named Chow.
He has his own clientele and offers advice on the latest vapour fluids and also flavours. He also provides after-sales service for hand-held electronic vape devices sold by him.
Vape Heaven Malaysia is one of the many vape outlets that have been mushrooming in the southern capital over the past few months.
Chow, who also runs a Facebook page under Vape Heaven Malaysia, said his Singaporean regular customers started to come by his vape stall through word of mouth.
“Some were also friends whom I’d previously known through my shisha groups,” he told The Rakyat Post recently.
Like many of the other vape stalls and shops here, Singaporean youths have been drawn by the current vaping trend of Johor’s youth.
Many like Chow cater to Singaporeans because “vaping” and possession of any electronic vape devices are banned in the republic.
“Due to this, it’s easier for Singaporeans to come over to Johor Baru where there are no restrictions on vaping,” said Chow.
A Singaporean vaper, Fad, who is in his early 30s, said he was introduced to vaping through a friend who he previously smoked shisha with.
“It started about three months ago where my friend brought me to Johor Baru and introduced me to the vape devices and flavours.
“Personally,I was attracted to the fruity taste of vaping as it was hip and more convenient then shishas as it is hand-held.
“At the same time, vaping claims to be a safer alternative and can be broughtanywhere.
“However, we (Singaporeans) have to be careful as it is a restricted item and will be confiscated by the checkpoint authorities if caught with one,” said Fad, adding that most Singaporeans conceal it and use it at home for fear of getting caught.
Despite an official ban on electronic cigarettes in 2010 by the Singapore government, many Singaporean youths try their luck in bringing in the vape devices and flavours for their personal use at home.
In Singapore, electronic cigarettes are banned under Section 16 (1) of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
Singapore law prohibits the importation, distribution, sale or offer for sale of any confectionery or other food product or any toy or other article that is designed to resemble a tobacco product, or the packaging of which is designed to resemble the packaging commonly associated with tobacco products.
Those guilty of the offence are liable to a fine of up to S$5,000 ( RM13,970) upon conviction, and a fine not exceeding S$10,000 ( RM27,940) for a second or subsequent offence.
Any electronic cigarettes imported will be seized.
According to Fad, even Malaysians entering Singapore as social visitors will be dealt with under the same law if they bring in their vaping devices.
“The law applies to all Malaysians and also foreigners, even if they declare their electronic vape devices for personal use.”
A Malaysian vaper who resides and works in Singapore, said most Singaporeans get away with bringing in the vape devices.
“We usually disassemble the device and conceal the parts such as battery and liquid tank. This is easy if you are driving in,” said Sam who is in his 20s.
However, Sam cautioned that it was huge risk and similar to bringing in undeclared Malaysian cigarettes as the island republic’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes a tough stand against such things.
Other than that, he said vaping in Johor Baru seems like a common thing and the replacement fluid flavours are readily available.
“Even the vape devices cater to everyone’s wallet. Quality ones retail from RM200 and above,” said Sam, adding that those into vaping are actually spoilt for choice as there are many stalls in pasar malam and also small shops in Johor Baru selling vape devices and also fluid flavours.”
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