Sarawak minister says 253 minors charged, four fined over smoking and vaping offences in first five months of 2026
Sarawak minister reports 253 minors charged and four fined for smoking and vaping offences between January and May 2026.Summary
Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah reported that between January and May 2026, four minors were issued compounds for the illegal purchase of smoking products under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. During the same period, 253 minors were charged under Section 17(1) for smoking or vaping-related offences, while three vendors were charged for selling smoking products to minors under Section 13(1). Statistics from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department indicate a significant increase in vape-related drug cases, rising from four cases in 2023 to 14 cases in 2025. In the first four months of this year alone, the value of seizures has exceeded RM700,000. Last year, a total of 34 intervention programmes were implemented statewide to focus on prevention, education, and awareness initiatives to discourage youth involvement in vaping.
(Source：Malay Mail)
