The laws, regulations, and directives of the Malaysian Public Health Tobacco Control Products Act 2024 (Act 852) are currently in the final stages. After receiving final approval from the Attorney General’s Office. The Ministry of Health will implement these laws and regulations, including measures to combat the sale of vapes.
Malaysia’s tobacco control bill may be approved
According to a report by Bernama on August 24. The regulations and directives of Malaysia’s Public Health Tobacco Control Products Act 2024 (Act 852) are now in their final stages and the Ministry of Health will implement these regulations. Including measures to crack down on the sale of vapes, after obtaining final approval from the Attorney-General’s Office.
Regulation of vape sales needs to be strengthened
Health Minister Datuk Seri Zukifiri Ahmad. (Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad) Zulkifiri noted that the matter will be returned to the Health Ministry once the relevant laws, regulations, and directives have been approved, including measures against the sale of vapes through vending machines. He said.
- “With this bill, we will be able to deal with these issues more effectively. Previously, the Ministry of Health has notified that the bill will be implemented this month, but not everything is under the control of the Ministry of Health.”
Zukifiri said they are working with other departments such as the Attorney General’s Office because laws, regulations, and directives need to be scrutinized to prevent any harm. He mentioned that “details make the difference.”
He adds:
- “Until this bill is fully implemented, we will continue to use the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2004. (PPKHT) so there will be no gaps in implementation.
Meanwhile. Zukifiri called for the active cooperation of local governments in implementing smoke-free area measures in densely populated areas such as Batu Buru Beach in Kuala Terengganu. (Pantai Batu Buruk) Terengganu Smoke-free Area Implementation (TBAR) initiative. Apart from Terengganu, similar measures have been taken in Penang, Malacca, and Kelantan.
