A woman from a neighbouring country found herself unusually frustrated in Malaysia, not because of the weather or the traffic, but because she could not buy cigarettes without showing her ID.
To share her experience, she turned to social media and revealed that she had spent two days trying to buy cigarettes, only to be told repeatedly that she needed a Malaysian IC or passport.
I’m currently in Malaysia and it’s so hard to buy cigarettes. I have to show a Malaysian IC or a passport. Is Malaysia really this strict with cigarettes? I still have two more days here… ya Allah I want to smoke so bad 😭😭😭,” she wrote.
Netizens explain why she faced difficulties
Following her post, Malaysian netizens stepped in to clarify why she might have struggled. They pointed out that the country has been enforcing stricter regulations this year under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
As part of these measures, shops are no longer allowed to openly display cigarettes, tobacco products or vape devices at their counters. Everything must be kept out of public view.
To emphasise how serious the law is, they also noted that businesses caught violating the Act face hefty fines ranging from RM20,000 to RM300,000, and could even face imprisonment.
One user added, “It’s a new law. In some places, you also cannot buy e-cigarettes or vapes openly.”
Others say the experience may vary by location
However, not everyone agreed with her experience. Some netizens chimed in to say they still managed to buy cigarettes in certain areas without being asked for identification.
This led to further discussion that enforcement might differ depending on the shop and how strictly it follows the updated rules.
Netizens encourage her to take it positively
As the conversation continued, the topic shifted away from regulations and towards her well-being. Some Malaysians suggested that her struggle might be a sign to quit smoking altogether.
They encouraged her to see the situation as an opportunity to “change for the better” instead of feeling frustrated about it.
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