KENINGAU: A 46-year-old woman was fined RM15,000, or six months' imprisonment in default, by the Magistrate's Court here after pleading guilty to selling vape products that did not comply with labelling and packaging requirements.
Laila Ranis admitted committing the offence at Boss Vape Shop, Homeware in Bandar Baru Keningau at about 11.25am on Jan 21, 2025, before Magistrate Flavian Edward Hendry.
The offence under Section 15(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 is punishable under Section 15(2)(a)(i) of the same Act with a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both, while the court also ordered the exhibits to be disposed of by the prosecution within 14 days, and Laila paid the fine.
In mitigation, Laila sought a lenient sentence, while Prosecuting Officer Rals Benjamin Yakod urged the court to impose an appropriate penalty to uphold the objectives of the Act in protecting public health and ensuring compliance by traders.
Rals submitted that non-compliant packaging and labelling deprived consumers of essential product information and health warnings, increased health risks, hampered enforcement efforts and undermined the Government's objective of ensuring only products meeting prescribed safety standards are sold.
