KUALA LUMPUR – Enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which takes effect today, will be implemented in phases, with provisions targeting the sale of vape products resembling toys to be immediately penalised.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said this and other provisions to be enforced immediately are those aimed at restricting the availability of smoking products that are designed to appeal to minors.
The sale of vape products that resembles toys, which are likely to attract children and teenagers is now banned, in a crucial step to reduce the exposure of smoking at an early age, he said in a statement.
Provisions that will also take immediate effect are those that ban the advertising, promotion and sponsorships of all types of smoking products, as well as prohibitions on selling these products at educational institutions, through online sales and vending machines.
Act 852 also outlines a phased enforcement approach for other key aspects, giving the industry and the public time to adapt to the new law.
Dzulkefly said these include the registration of smoking products, which will be made mandatory beginning April 1, 2025.
Similarly, packaging and labelling regulations will be enforced on a product-by-product basis by October 1, 2025.
Regulations on display of smoking products at the point of sale, will also be enforced by April 1, 2025.
In the meantime, until these dates, Health Ministry officials will conduct enforcement with the purpose of education people and businesses about the new regulations.
The ministry is also releasing educational and advocacy materials to help the public better understand Act 852.
Dzulkefly said the ministry will also continue its engagement sessions with the smoking products industry to ensure compliance with the law. – October 1, 2024