According to a report by NST on October 15, the Sabah State Health Department has initiated a statewide joint operation aimed at educating the public about the newly introduced laws regarding smoking products, including e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
According to the state health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna, the operation will involve using an educational enforcement approach to help the affected groups understand the requirements of the new laws and ensure compliance with those requirements. He stated that this will be a comprehensive operation involving multiple agencies, including the police, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, the Customs Department, and local authorities.
He mentioned that as early as 2004, Malaysia had already enacted and enforced the Tobacco Products Control Regulations, however, due to technological advances, existing regulations were insufficient to cover certain enforcement elements. Multiple studies show that the use of e-cigarettes is increasing year by year. As a result, the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act of 2024 has been introduced and officially promulgated in February, to be implemented from October 1st.
The official stated in an interview with reporters that 780 law enforcement officers will conduct educational outreach activities throughout the state. During the six-month operation, officials will remind businesses to display signs prohibiting the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes on their premises.
According to reports, starting from April 1st next year, tobacco products in Malaysia must be stored in sealed cabinets, and packaging and labeling standards will be enforced starting from October 1st, 2025. Additionally, the sale of tobacco products designed to attract children and teenagers in the form of toys will be banned.
When asked about the enforcement of the ban on smoking in public places during the state elections, he stated that under no circumstances would there be any exceptions to the enforcement of the law.
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