Key Points
• Dzulkefly says the Putrajaya court conviction sets an important precedent for Act 852 enforcement
• He says the ruling reinforces bans on advertising, promoting or sponsoring tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes
• He says the law applies to everyone, regardless of celebrity, influencer or business-owner status
• He says legal action is a last resort but will be used if warnings are ignored
• Shuib Sepahtu was charged under Section 9(1) in October 2024 and fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93)
2Firsts, January 9, 2026 – According to The Star, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court decision to convict a known personality for promoting vape has set an important legal precedent in enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852).
Dzulkefly said the decision sends a clear and absolute message on banning the advertising, promotion or sponsorship of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. In a Facebook post, he said the law applies to everyone without exception, regardless of whether someone is a celebrity, influencer or business owner. He added that popularity is not a licence to break the law, particularly when it involves risks to younger people.
He said legal action is a last resort, but authorities will not hesitate to use it if warnings are ignored. He also called on influencers and content creators to be part of the solution and not contribute to the normalisation of smoking culture.
The report says the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court convicted comedian Shahmira Muhammad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, over promoting vaping through a podcast programme two years ago. It adds that Shuib, who was charged under Section 9(1) in October 2024, was fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93).
Image source: The Star
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