KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 — With the January 1 ban drawing closer, Johor vape traders are now rushing to get rid of their stock of e-cigarette devices, liquids and accessories, with some even offering discounts of up to 70 per cent.

According to a report by The Star, more than 100 of 550 traders at a night market in Johor have been selling vaping products for the past six months.

JB Bazaar Traders Association chairman Mohammad Salezan Mohd Salleh was quoted in the report saying that most members were caught off-guard by the announcement on the ban, and that the short notice has put traders in a quandary.

“They just want to get back their capital before it becomes officially illegal here. Some are hoping to sell their stock in bulk to dealers outside Johor.

“Others plan to move their business to other states or go back to their previous business such as selling clothes, bags, watches or shoes,” he said.

Mohammad Salezan said that some traders spent over RM200,000 to start their vape business.

The Johor government has confirmed it will prohibit the sale of vape products starting January 1, after the state ruler called for such outlets to be closed down.

News reports quoted Johor state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Abdul Latiff Bandi as saying that traders who sold electronic cigarettes after January 1 would face a fine of up to RM2,000 and risk having their licenses revoked and goods confiscated.

Local daily The Star reported Abdul Latiff as saying that the state government will enact a new by-law to prohibit the sale of vape products as vape outlets are currently operating under convenience store licenses.

“They will have to comply with the new by-law from next year,” Abdul Latiff was quoted as saying.

In an interview with The Star published last week, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar said he wanted vape outlets to be shuttered by January 1 over health concerns.

The Health Ministry has commended the Johor sultan’s call to ban vape outlets, but did not say if Putrajaya will move to ban vaping.

The federal government has yet to decide on whether it will ban or regulate vaping, with ministers like Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob supporting the industry while the Health Ministry initially raided several vape stores.