Malaysia to Implement Law Banning Tobacco Sales to Minors

Jun.04.2024

Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the enforcement of a law banning tobacco sales to minors under 18.

According to a report from MSN on June 3rd, the Malaysian Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, recently stated that the law prohibiting the sale and purchase of tobacco products, smoking paraphernalia, or alternative tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18 will officially be implemented this year. This measure is included in the Tobacco Control Products (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act 852).

The law was enacted on February 2nd, according to which any services related to smoking will also be prohibited for minors under the age of 18. The minister stated that although the prevalence of smoking among children aged 13 to 17 has decreased, the use of e-cigarettes has increased.

Recently, the minister made it clear while attending the World No Tobacco Day Carnival: "This is a wake-up call. The provisions of the bill will be enforced to curb this situation.

A recent nationwide health and disease survey in Malaysia revealed that the smoking rate among teenagers aged 13 to 17 has decreased from 13.8% in 2017 to 6.2% in 2022. However, the usage rate of e-cigarettes has increased from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022.

The minister pointed out that the Ministry of Health, which he leads, will curb youth smoking and e-cigarette use by implementing this law.

References:

[1] No smoking for minors’ law to kick in this year

Also Read:

[1] Implementation of Public Health Smoking Control Act in Malaysia

[2] The Rise of E-cigarette Usage in Malaysia: A Study

[3] 2FIRSTS Interview with MVCC: License System Analysis, Recommend Building Business in Malaysia

[4] Malaysian Customs Successfully Halts Cigarette Smuggling Operation into Third Country

[5] NVP, Replacement Therapy for Nicotine Addiction in Malaysia

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