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Having come into full force on 1 October 2025, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] recently passed its one-year mark in Malaysia without many of us realising it. A regulatory framework for the sale, purchase, use, advertising, promotion, and display of tobacco and vape products, Act 852 was initially gazetted on 2 February 2024, but its enforcement was carried out gradually.
Unfortunately, despite the extended rollout, offences under the Act remain commonplace across the country. For instance, many individuals are still casually smoking and vaping in designated non-smoking areas, an offence that carries a fine of up to RM5,000.
Over 12 months later, the Ministry of Health (MOH), in an effort to support Act 852 enforcement, announced on 12 October 2026 the launch of a new initiative designed to make it easier for the public to lodge complaints regarding violations. Called MyLapor, the digital complaint channel is accessible both on the official MOH website and via the MySejahtera app.
So, what types of offences can you report on MyLapor, and how do you go about lodging a complaint?
Here’s everything you should know.
What is MyLapor?
As a digital platform for reporting violations related to Act 852, MyLapor was developed to strengthen complaint management and enforcement action by health personnel. In a statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) asserted that the initiative forms part of its service digitalisation efforts to enhance service delivery efficiency and ensure complaints are managed more systematically.
Through MyLapor, members of the public can lodge complaints using the MySejahtera application, by scanning the MyLapor QR code, or by accessing the link here. Additionally, each complaint will be channelled directly to the nearest District Health Office (PKD) based on the location of the incident.
MOH further touted MyLapor as enabling enforcement action to be taken more swiftly, accurately, and effectively without going through a lengthy complaint-routing process. The platform also enables complainants to receive status notifications for submitted complaints via the MySejahtera application.
What types of complaints can you report through MyLapor?
Any violations related to Act 852 can be reported on the platform. These include:
- Smoking in prohibited areas.
- The sale, purchase, or use of smoking products by individuals under 18 years of age.
- The sale of smoking products (such as cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, and smokeless tobacco) online or through vending machines.
- Unauthorised advertising, promotion, or display of smoking products.
- Packaging of smoking products that does not comply with existing standards and regulations.
How to lodge a complaint on MyLapor
1. Open the MySejahtera app and tap the MyLapor icon
Alternatively, you can access MyLapor through the official MOH website.
2. Click ‘Laporkan di sini’ (Submit your concerns here)
3. Select the type of violation you wish to report from the options provided
If the violation is not listed, select ‘Lain-lain’ (Others) at the bottom of the ‘Aduan lain'(Other complaints) tab.
4. Upload a photo to support your complaint
Although you can submit a complaint without uploading files, supporting evidence such as photographs is strongly encouraged to assist the authorities in taking effective follow-up action.
5. Provide the location of the incident
6. Choose the date and time the incident occurred
6. Provide your contact details
7. Review your complaint and select ‘Hantar’ (Submit)
After lodging the complaint, you will receive notifications regarding its status, including updates on the latest actions taken by the authorities. In addition, you may review the complaint information submitted by accessing the ‘Lihat Sejarah Aduan’ (View Complaint History) button to check the status of your complaint.
You can also submit more than one complaint, including for the same offence, at any time if needed, as there is no specific limit set.
Designated non-smoking areas
Under the Control of Smoking Products For Public Health (Declaration of Non-Smoking Area or Place) Order 2024, an Order enforced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad under the powers prescribed by Subsection 16(1) of Act 852, these 28 places have been designated as non-smoking areas in Malaysia:
Penalties for smoking in designated non-smoking areas
Under Section 16(3) of Act 852, any person who smokes or vapes in the aforementioned non-smoking areas will face a fine of up to RM5,000 upon conviction.
Additionally, under Section 18 of the Act, the owner or occupant of a non-smoking area, such as a workplace or laundrette, could also be fined up to RM5,000 if they:
- Fail to display clear signage indicating that smoking is prohibited.
- Provide smoking facilities or equipment.
- Fail to take reasonable steps to prevent smoking within their premises.
A comprehensive tool, but enforcement remains key
It is worth noting that MyLapor is not MOH’s first attempt at a platform for the public to lodge complaints on smoking-related offences. Over the years, the ministry has introduced several reporting avenues, including a dedicated WhatsApp complaint line and third-party advocacy platforms like JomLapor.
While MyLapor represents MOH’s most comprehensive and streamlined digital effort to date, integrating directly into the everyday MySejahtera app and routing data straight to local District Health Offices (PKD), its ultimate success hinges on execution. Historically, public frustration with such platforms has stemmed less from the submission process and more from a lack of enforcement on the ground.
A smooth digital user interface is a step in the right direction, but whether MyLapor becomes a game-changer for Act 852 or just another overlooked tool depends on how swiftly and consistently health authorities act on the complaints they receive.
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