A 43-year-old Malaysian property agent, Ang Boon Hong, has been sentenced to 10 weeks of imprisonment on December 15, 2025. This legal outcome followed his guilty plea to a charge of possessing e-vaporisers for the purpose of sale. The court also took into consideration a second similar charge during the sentencing phase. The case provides a detailed look into how financial desperation can lead individuals into illegal cross-border activities.
The court heard that Ang Boon Hong was experiencing significant financial difficulties in Malaysia. Seeking a way to supplement his income, he accepted a job offer from an acquaintance identified only as Kenny. The arrangement involved Ang entering Singapore to perform delivery services for e-vaporisers and their associated components. The financial incentive offered for this illegal work was relatively small; Ang was promised a payment ranging between RM2 and RM10 for every delivery successfully completed. Based on the volume of work, it was estimated that he could have earned approximately RM100 per day.
The logistics of the operation were specifically planned. Ang was instructed by his contact to enter Singapore and proceed to a Housing and Development Board flat located in Sembawang. The designated pickup time for the parcels was set between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. Along with the physical goods, Ang was provided with a list detailing various delivery locations across the island. The operation also involved a financial component for cash-on-delivery orders. In such instances, Ang was responsible for collecting the payments from customers and transporting the cash back across the border to Malaysia to be handed over to Kenny.
The illegal activity came to light on August 28, 2025. Customs officers stationed in Sembawang observed Ang behaving suspiciously in the vicinity of Wellington Circle. They witnessed him placing two large blue IKEA bags into a vehicle. Deciding to monitor his movements, the officers followed the vehicle from Sembawang to Ang Mo Kio. At approximately 5:45pm, the authorities intercepted Ang at Ang Mo Kio Street 65.
Upon searching the vehicle and the blue bags, officers discovered numerous white polymailer bags. These packages were found to contain a substantial quantity of prohibited items. The Health Sciences Authority was called to the scene to assist with the seizure. A total of 115 e-vaporisers and 258 related components were confiscated. During the legal proceedings, the prosecution noted that Ang was fully aware that the parcels contained e-vaporisers and was cognizant of the fact that such items are strictly illegal under Singaporean law.
In his plea for leniency, Ang highlighted that this was his first criminal offence. He expressed regret over his situation, noting that the months following his arrest had been extremely difficult. He mentioned that he had been unable to return to his home in Malaysia and had subsequently lost his employment as a property agent as a direct result of the investigation.
The sentencing reflects a broader crackdown on e-vaporisers within the country. Since September 1, 2025, authorities have implemented harsher penalties for various vape-related offences. For the act of selling these items, individuals can face a fine of up to $10,000, a prison sentence of up to six months, or both penalties combined. Even the act of using a vape can result in a fine of $700 for first-time offenders, with subsequent offences potentially leading to court prosecution and fines reaching $2,000.
This case serves as a stern warning regarding the risks of engaging in the illegal distribution of prohibited products. Despite the motivation of earning extra income to alleviate financial pressure, the legal consequences resulted in a jail sentence, the loss of professional employment, and a criminal record. The vigilance of Customs officers and the coordination with the Health Sciences Authority demonstrate the ongoing efforts to prevent the entry and sale of illegal vaporisers in Singapore.
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