Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has ramped up its efforts to enforce smoking bans across the country, issuing a staggering 98,054 notices related to smoking offences in prohibited areas over the past nine months. This marks a notable increase from last year, during which 96,127 notices were issued. The fines collected from this year's enforcement total RM24.5 million, surpassing the RM24 million collected in the same period in 2023.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining smoke-free public spaces, reinforcing that enforcement remains a high priority. "This data proves we are serious about enforcing the law. Claims that our personnel have relaxed in enforcing the smoking ban are entirely false. Our officers are conducting daily operations, and the results are clear," he stated during a press conference.
Dr Dzulkefly was speaking after officiating the Clean Premises, Smoke-Free (Bebas) Walkabout Programme and launching the 2024 Mega Integrated Enforcement Operation on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) at the national level. This program aims to crack down on smoking-related offences and ensure that public health laws are strictly adhered to.
Stricter Laws, More Notices Expected
The increase in notices reflects not just stricter enforcement but also the government's proactive stance in combating smoking-related health issues. Dr Dzulkefly predicted that if the ministry continues at the current pace, more than 130,000 notices will be issued by the end of 2024, resulting in over RM32 million in fines.
The enforcement of Regulation 11 under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations (PPKHT) 2004, which governed the smoking ban, has now been superseded by the Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The new Act provides the ministry with more comprehensive tools and penalties to address the public health threat posed by smoking and the growing use of electronic cigarettes, especially among minors.
When asked whether enforcement officers face any challenges, including threats or resistance during their operations, Dr Dzulkefly acknowledged that such incidents have occurred. "Our officers are sometimes confronted during enforcement, but we have successfully managed these situations through effective measures. The safety of our personnel remains a priority," he noted.
Curbing Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Among Minors
In conjunction with the new legislation, the Ministry of Health has launched the Mega Integrated Operation, which is focused on curbing the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, among minors. The nationwide initiative, which began on October 11, 2024, aims to strengthen existing tobacco control measures while addressing the growing issue of vaping among Malaysia’s youth.
This operation is the first of its kind in Malaysia, involving collaboration across multiple ministries and agencies. Participating entities include the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police. These agencies are working in tandem to ensure that the sale of smoking products is tightly controlled and that violations are met with swift and severe penalties.
The Ministry of Health’s efforts to curb smoking are further supported by various professional bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), traders' associations, and the general public. Dr Dzulkefly urged all stakeholders to play their part in creating a smoke-free Malaysia. “We are calling on all ministries, agencies, and civil society, including traders’ associations and the MADANI community, to support this initiative. A smoke-free environment is not just a regulatory goal, it’s a collective effort to improve public health.”
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