Malaysia has banned the display of tobacco products at sales counters since April 1. Violators will face severe legal penalties such as fines or jail time, and the Ministry of Health will take phased enforcement measures to ensure the new rules are implemented.
Key points:
1. Malaysia has implemented new regulations banning the display of tobacco products at sales counters since 1 April.
2. The Ministry of Health adopts strict regulatory measures implemented in phases.
3. Violators will face severe legal punishment.
Malaysia’s Tobacco Display Ban Takes Effect
UTUSAN recently reported that Malaysia has implemented the provisions of Section 6 of the Public Health Control of Smoking Products (Control of Sale) Regulations 2024 from today, which prohibits the display of tobacco products at sale counters.
Earlier, the Malaysian Health Ministry said in a statement that the ban is part of the Public Health Tobacco Controlled Products Act 2024 (Act 852) and its related regulations and orders, which came into effect on October 1 last year. According to the Ministry of Health, the ban affects 51,000 shops selling tobacco products across the country.
To ensure that businesses comply with the new rules. The Health Ministry said it will take prudent and effective enforcement measures in phases. The Ministry of Health pointed out that the most appropriate way of implementation is to prepare closed cabinets, rather than using cloth or canvas to cover.
Violators can be fined up to $6,800
The Ministry of Health stressed the importance of this measure to prevent any violations and to put an end to indirect marketing activities that go against the spirit of the ban. The Ministry of Health will continue to work with shop owners to ensure the installation of closed cabinets meets the requirements and will closely monitor their compliance. The process is expected to be fully completed by October 1.
Bill 852 deals with the registration, sale, packaging, labeling of tobacco products, and the prohibition of smoking in public places. The bill imposes stricter restrictions on cigarette and e-cigarette merchants, including a ban on the public display of related products on business premises.
Those who violate the new rules will face severe legal punishment. First-time offenders may be fined not more than RM20,000 (US $4,500) or jailed for not more than one year, or both; Repeat offenders face a fine of up to 30,000 Malaysian ringgit ($6,800) or a jail term of not more than two years, or both.
