Apology for Exclusion: Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Dec.25.2023

Apology for Exclusion: Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023

Malaysia's Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, apologizes for not including the "Gen Excluded from Smoking" policy in the Public Health Tobacco Control Act 2023.

According to a report by the Malaysian media outlet Borneo Post on January 24th, the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, admitted that he does not have the authority to implement a nationwide smoking ban as he is not the Minister of Religion. However, he emphasized his responsibility as the Minister of Health to ensure that smokers and their actions do not harm non-smokers, as smoking is detrimental to health.

Zulfikar also serves as the Chief Strategist of the Integrity Party. At the Integrity Party's 2023 National Congress, he responded to representatives' proposal, the "2023 Public Health Tobacco Control Bill." He once again apologized to party delegates for not including the "Generation Excluded from Smoking" (GEG) policy in the legislation, which aimed at achieving a smoke-free generation.

On the 30th of last month, the "2023 Public Health Tobacco Product Control Bill" was passed in the lower house of Parliament through a voice vote. However, it is worth noting that this bill has removed the previously set GEG policy, which prohibited the smoking and possession of tobacco products for individuals born after 2007. The policy has now been replaced with a ban on individuals under the age of 18 purchasing tobacco products, tobacco alternatives, and smoking devices.

References:

[1] 祖基菲里：我并非宗教司可指示禁烟　但有责任保障非吸烟群体

Also Read:

[1] Malaysian Parliament Passes 2023 Public Health Control of Smoking Products Act

[2] Challenge of Keeping Students Away from Disposable E-Cigarettes in Malaysia

[3] Malaysia's New Health Minister Exclude GEG Clause in 2023 Smoking Control Bill

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Asia #Malaysia #Public health #Health #Tobacco Control Plan

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Call2Recycle Expands Vape Recycling in Canada, Bringing Cannabis Devices Into Quebec-Wide Program

Call2Recycle Canada, the country’s battery stewardship organization, is expanding its vape recycling program in Quebec to include cannabis vape devices, strengthening the safe recovery of embedded batteries and device materials. Backed by government bodies, producers and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and create a scalable model for other Canadian provinces.

Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian Region Targets Youth Vaping and Night Alcohol Sales

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region said efforts to curb night-time alcohol sales and the spread of e-cigarettes will continue in 2026. While illegal alcohol trade has largely been eliminated, youth vaping remains a major concern. Regional authorities are seeking federal approval to allow local governments to impose stricter restrictions on vape sales, alongside increased health education initiatives.

Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Tobacco-Free Kids Condemns PMI for Marketing Zyn to Youth via F1 Sponsorship

Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, issued a statement on December 10, 2025, condemning Philip Morris International (PMI) for partnering with Ferrari to promote Zyn nicotine pouches on Formula 1 cars. She said PMI’s claim that the sponsorship targets adults is misleading, as F1’s audience has become increasingly young—with over 4 million children aged 8–12 now following the sport.

Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches

According to People, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview with The Atlantic that although he frequently uses Zyn nicotine pouches, he does not recommend that Americans imitate his personal habits. His use of nicotine products has drawn renewed attention, alongside ongoing scrutiny of his broader health-related positions.