Malaysia delays tobacco and e-cigarette ban until 2027

The Malaysian government has decided to delay the implementation of the ban on traditional and electronic cigarettes that are passed down from generation to generation until 2027. However, the proposed ban will still start with those born in 2007.

Lukanisman Awang Sauni, member of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) political coalition from Malaysia's Sarawak state, told The Edge that the concessions made for the proposed implementation of 2025 are due to the review of the tobacco products and smoking bill for 2022 by the Parliament Special Special Committee (PSSC), of which he is a member.

According to a report by The Edge, individuals born in 2007 will not be able to legally purchase tobacco and e-cigarette products throughout their lifetime when they turn 20 years old in 2027.

It is currently unclear whether the anticipated end of the tobacco generation game (GEG) for those born in 2007 will mean that this group can legally smoke or vape, or purchase tobacco or e-cigarette products two years after turning 18, the current legal smoking age, if the proposed law only takes effect in 2027 before the ban applies to them at age 20.

According to reports, Lucaniusman further stated that the tobacco bill PSSC, chaired by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, has agreed to drop the provisions penalizing minors for possession and use of tobacco or vaping products.

Therefore, while teenagers have not been convicted, they may be affected by some type of compound," remarked Lukanisman, who is also a member of the Health, Science, and Innovation PSSC.

It is currently unclear whether the government has agreed to remove the entire Section 17 of the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Act, which prohibits smoking or vaping, using smoking or vaping devices, and possessing tobacco or vaping products for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.

According to a draft submitted to parliament in July last year, violation of Article 17 could result in a maximum fine of RM 5,000 upon conviction.

Lukanisman's comment indicates that teenagers will still be influenced by substances. This suggests that smoking or using electronic cigarettes, or possessing tobacco or electronic cigarette products, by the GEG Group is still considered a criminal offense, as the use of these substances is only a substitute for prosecution with lighter punishment.

Sibuti MP further stated that during the last meeting of the PSSC on Tuesday, the committee agreed to remove body searches on minors from the Tobacco Control Bill.

Azalina Othman Said expressed concern over the power scope of enforcement officers appointed by ministers based on the draft bill, such as conducting body searches without a warrant. Therefore, we have removed the proposed measure from the bill," said Lukman Sheriff Alias. He was referring to Azalina Othman Said, a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Security Council (PSSC), and MP for Bangi, Ong Kian Ming.

A backbench government member has stated their support for tobacco legislation.

However, in a later debate, I will suggest that the government should consider electronic cigarettes as a reduced harm product. This means that existing smokers can continue to use e-cigarettes," Lukanisman told The Edge.

For those born in 2007 or later, they will be required to stop using e-cigarettes after the law is passed in 2027.

Despite previously stating that he intended to propose a tobacco bill at the parliamentary meeting scheduled for Monday, it has been reported that Speaker of the House of Commons, Azhar Azizan Harun, has said he has not yet received information from the Health Minister regarding whether the bill will be submitted at the next session.

If this matter is eventually confirmed, perhaps the minister in charge of proposing the bill will notify the secretary of Dewan Rakyat to list the bill at the upcoming meeting. So far, I have not received any information," said Azhar, also known as Artharun, to reporters last Wednesday.

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