Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan Launches 'Save the Lungs' Campaign, Imposes Heavy Fines on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers

Key points:

·Background: In response to the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Act 2024, aimed at combating the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. 

·Enforcement results: The operation issued 61 fines, totaling RM 12,600 (approximately $2,772), and opened investigations into 9 cases. 

·Enforcement focus: Special attention was given to illegal promotion, advertising, and sponsorship activities targeting children and adolescents, with a zero-tolerance approach. 

·Enforcement details: Verification of e-cigarette product specifications, ensuring sales outlets display no-smoking signs, and compliance with product registration and display regulations. 

·Publicity efforts: Distribution of 27,818 promotional materials promoting tobacco control concepts. 

·Long-term goal: Protecting young people from the harm of tobacco and e-cigarettes, and advancing the goal of a smoke-free society.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from Oriental Daily News on August 3rd, the Selangor Health Department in Malaysia launched the "Save Lungs Operation" (Ops Selamat PaPa) at the beginning of the month, with a focus on combating the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. A total of 61 fines were issued during this operation, amounting to a total of RM 12,600 (approximately $2,772), and investigations were initiated for 9 cases.

This action is in response to the Health Ministry's comprehensive enforcement requirements of the Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Act 2024 (Act 852). Since the implementation of the Act on October 1, 2024, the Selangor State Health Department has been particularly focused on illegal promotion, advertising, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes and cigarettes targeting children and adolescents, and has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to these behaviors.

Law enforcement officers are closely monitoring e-cigarette products in action, verifying their compliance with relevant specifications, and ensuring that all sales venues display no-smoking warning signs, while adhering to product registration and display regulations. It is reported that the deadline for these requirements is March 31, 2025, with full enforcement starting on April 1, 2025.

According to statistics from the Negeri Sembilan State Health Department, since the law came into effect, as of July 29, 2025, the department has carried out 885 enforcement actions, inspected 23,811 stores, issued 5,606 fines totaling approximately 1.2 million ringgit (approximately $260,000), and successfully prosecuted 23 cases, with fines totaling 9,030 ringgit (approximately $1,987). Additionally, to promote the idea of smoking control, 27,818 pieces of promotional materials have been distributed.

The Negeri Sembilan State Health Department has stated that they will continue to increase enforcement and awareness efforts to protect young people from the harm of tobacco and e-cigarettes, in order to safeguard the health and well-being of the entire population. This effort aligns with the government's gradual goal of banning the sale and use of e-cigarettes, moving towards a smoke-free society.