Key Takeaways
• Individual: Shahmira Muhamad (stage name Shuib Sepahtu), 42
• Sentence: RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93) fine; one month’s jail in default; fine paid
• Alleged act: promotion of a smoking product brand on a YouTube podcast at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024
• Legal basis: Act 852 Sections 9(1) and 9(3), punishable under Section 9(3)(a)(i)
• Court positions: prosecution sought deterrence; defence said agreement predated enforcement and the video was removed
2Firsts, January 8, 2026 – According to Bernama, comedian Shahmira Muhamad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, was fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93) after he pleaded guilty to promoting an electronic cigarette product two years ago. The magistrate ordered one month’s jail in default of payment, and he paid the fine.
Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah sentenced Shuib, 42. He was charged with promoting a brand of smoking product on a YouTube podcast at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024, in violation of Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
The report states that the Act prohibits participating in any arrangement that promotes tobacco, smoking substances or tobacco substitutes intended or likely to encourage smoking or promoted as a quit-smoking product. The offence was traced to the specified YouTube link, which was reviewed on the same date at the Public Health Inspectorate and Legal Sector, Ministry of Health.
The charge was framed under Section 9(3) of Act 852 and is punishable under Section 9(3)(a)(i), which provides that a first offence carries a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both, upon conviction.
MOH prosecuting officer Kua Ah Kiong urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, saying promoting a cigarette product has a negative impact on society, particularly on public health. He said children and adolescents under 18 are easily influenced by promotions of cigarette products, including vaping, especially when promoted by influential figures admired by society.
Shuib’s lawyer Ahmad I’zzudin Ahmad Nadzri said his client acted only as the producer of the podcast and that the agreement with the vape company was concluded before Act 852 came into effect. He also said the defendant removed the podcast content from YouTube within a short period, making the link inaccessible.
Image Source: Bernama
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