SHAH ALAM, JAN 9 - Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad today hailed a recent decision by the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court to convict a social media influencer for promoting smoking products online, and called it a crucial legal precedent to enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
“The ruling sends a clear message that the prohibition on advertising, promotion or sponsorship of smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape products, is absolute.
“The law applies to everyone without exception, regardless of whether one is a celebrity, influencer or business owner,” Dzulkefly said in a Facebook post.
He emphasised that while legal action is a last resort, authorities will not hesitate to take firm action should warnings be ignored.
“Influencers and content creators play a constructive role in society, and I call on them to be part of the solution rather than contribute to the normalisation of smoking culture. Together, we can build a healthier Malaysia,” he urged.
On Wednesday, comedian Shahmira Muhamad, popularly known as Shuib Sepahtu, was fined RM10,000, in default one month’s jail, after pleading guilty to promoting a vape product on a YouTube podcast in October 2024.
Shahmira was charged under Section 9 of Act 852, punishable by a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.