As of October 1, 2024, the Malaysian government has officially enforced the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024 (Act 852), extending the list of non-smoking areas from 23 to 28.
According to Federal Legislation, this new regulation prohibits smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, in these designated zones.
Expanded Non-Smoking Zones
The expanded list of non-smoking areas includes, but is not limited to:
- Entertainment centers or theaters (excluding casinos)
- Hospitals or clinic areas
- Elevators or public restrooms
- Air-conditioned restaurants and shops
- Public transport terminals
- Government buildings
- Parliament House
- Educational institutions
- Kindergartens
- Public service counters
- Shopping malls
- Gas station areas
- Sports centers and gyms
- Religious buildings
- Libraries
- Internet cafés
- National service training centers
- Parks (excluding open public parking areas)
- National and state park observation towers, campsites, and canopy walkways (within five meters of entrances/exits)
- School buses and all public transportation vehicles
- Laundromats (enforcement begins January 1, 2025)
- Workplace buildings in both government and private sectors (enforcement begins January 1, 2025)
Enforce with 2 phases
The Health Ministry, under the leadership of Deputy Director-General of Public Health Datuk Dr. Norhayati, held a press briefing today to elaborate on the enforcement of the Act.
The enforcement strategy is divided into two phases: immediate enforcement and education-based enforcement.
The latter will be in effect for six to twelve months from the law’s implementation, providing a grace period for public education on the new regulations.
Mandatory registration of smoking products
One key aspect of the law is that starting from April 1, 2025, registration of smoking products will be mandatory. By October 1, 2025, there will be stricter regulations on the packaging and labeling of individual smoking products.
During the education enforcement phase, authorities will focus on raising public awareness and compliance, with 2,548 educational warnings already issued as part of this effort.
This move builds upon the earlier efforts led by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, who championed the smoking ban in eateries and public spaces during his first tenure. Dr. Dzulkefly expressed gratitude for the addition of laundromats and workplace buildings to the non-smoking zones, recognizing them as essential public spaces, particularly for families and children.
Stricter regulations on sale of smoking product
In addition to expanding non-smoking areas, the Act introduces stricter regulations on the sale of smoking products.
Immediate enforcement targets the sale of such products in venues that attract children and teenagers, aiming to curb youth access to tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
Smoking products are now banned from being sold in educational institutions, marketplaces, online platforms, and vending machines. Furthermore, all advertisements, promotions, and sponsorships targeting minors are strictly prohibited.
The Ministry of Health aims to ensure compliance through public education and immediate enforcement, promoting a healthier and smoke-free environment across Malaysia.
