Malaysia to Implement Public Health Tobacco Control Act by 2024

Aug.01.2024
Malaysia to Implement Public Health Tobacco Control Act by 2024
Malaysia's Health Ministry is expected to enforce the "2024 Public Health Smoking Product Control Act" by year-end, focusing on regulations and bans.

According to a report by Oriental Daily on August 1st, the Malaysian Ministry of Health is expected to implement the "2024 Public Health Smoking Control Act" (Act 852) as early as the end of this year.


Health Minister Datuk Seri Zulkifli stated that the regulations include several provisions related to registration, sales, packaging, labeling, and orders to prohibit smoking in public places.


The bill has been submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) and is currently in the final stage.


The minister stated that everything is ready, may still need some organizing, and hopes to fully implement the legislation by the end of this year.


He emphasized that all relevant regulations will be enforced in conjunction with Act 852, which includes regulations for e-cigarette products.


The upcoming rules and regulations will also cover e-cigarettes and will impose stricter controls on the sale of e-cigarette products to minors.


According to previous reports from the media, the bill aims to strengthen control over the sale of e-cigarette products to minors, and to fundamentally change smoking habits in both government and society.


As of June last year, the Ministry of Health received a total of 17 cases of lung diseases caused by e-cigarettes or related products (EVALI). Meanwhile, from 2015 to August 2023, a total of 69 cases of children poisoning from e-cigarettes have been reported.


On May 30th of last year, a case of poisoning was reported in Pahang State, Malaysia, where a 2-year-old girl experienced acute nicotine poisoning after ingesting the e-liquid from a disposable e-cigarette device.


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