A lawyer in Limbang has lodged a police report alleging that vape products are being sold to school students, following reports that underage pupils had brought electronic cigarettes onto school premises.
Dr Angela Loh Yee Shing said the report, filed on Tuesday, also highlights concerns over the growing presence of vape devices among students at a local school.
She said she intends to pursue the matter thoroughly and ensure those responsible for selling vape products to minors are held accountable under the law.
The issue came to light on June 23 after school authorities discovered several students in possession of vape devices on campus.
According to Dr Loh, one student admitted owning a vape device and said it had been purchased, although the location of the purchase was not disclosed.
She added that the school’s disciplinary teacher confirmed the presence of vape products among underage students was not an isolated case, but had occurred on multiple occasions.
Dr Loh said the sale or supply of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes, to individuals under the age of 18 is an offence under Section 13 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), while possession or use by minors is an offence under Section 17.
The Act also prohibits the sale of such products within educational institutions.
“As both a mother and a lawyer, I am deeply concerned that vape products have found their way into the hands of schoolchildren,” she said.
She said she would gather all necessary evidence and information before taking further action against those found to have supplied the products to minors.
Dr Loh also plans to submit formal complaints to the Limbang District Health Office, the Sarawak State Health Department, under the Ministry of Health, and the Limbang District Council to urge enforcement action against any businesses found selling vape products to children or underage students.
She stressed that the issue is about protecting young people and preventing similar incidents from happening again, adding that enforcement of Act 852 must be firm and consistent.
Dr Loh also called on parents, schools and the authorities to work together to keep children away from vape products, while urging anyone with information on the sale of vapes to minors in Limbang to come forward and assist the relevant authorities.
