Malaysia's Ministry Of Health Strengthens Smoking Ban Enforcement, Adds New Labels To E-cigarettes And Consultation QR Codes

Malaysia's Ministry of Health strengthens smoking ban enforcement, adds new labels to e-cigarettes and consultation QR codes

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has strengthened inspections of no smoking areas and added electronic cigarette signs and QR codes to new no smoking signs, aiming to provide guidance and promote health counseling services.

According to The Star on October 22, Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, Deputy Minister of Health of Malaysia, stated that inspections will be strengthened at locations where complaints about smoking in non-smoking areas are frequently received.

Nohayati revealed that from October 1st to 21st, 352 locations were inspected in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya in accordance with the 2024 Public Health Smoking Products Control Act (Ordinance No. 852). According to Article 47 of the bill, a total of 33 fines were issued, with a cumulative fine amount of 8250 ringgit (1900 US dollars). Among them, 18 fines involved restaurants, 7 were issued to shopping centers, and 8 were for public parking areas.

The deputy minister further pointed out that the new smoking ban label has added electronic cigarette signs and QR codes for the public to scan and obtain more health consultation services. The number of complaints received determines the "hotspot" locations, where law enforcement officers will conduct more frequent patrols. She hopes that the new logo can provide clearer guidance.

Malaysia's new smoking ban label includes electronic cigarette logo and QR code | Image source: Facebook

When asked about the reaction of the venue owners, she said that all owners cooperated in using the new prohibition signs. They understand the necessity of compliance and support and welcome this implementation.

At a press conference on October 4th, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that from January 1st next year, laundry shops and government and private sector office buildings will be designated as no smoking areas.

The implementation of the new bill will be divided into two stages: immediate enforcement and educational enforcement. Immediately enforce the sale of tobacco products in the form of games that attract children and adolescents, in order to restrict their supply, especially to minors. In addition, the bill prohibits the sale of tobacco products in educational institutions, markets, online platforms, and vending machines, and immediately prohibits any advertising, promotion, and sponsorship activities targeting children and adolescents.