Malaysia Implements Ban on Display of Tobacco Products

Key points:

• Malaysia will begin implementing a new regulation on April 1st that prohibits the display of tobacco products at sales counters.
• The Ministry of Health is implementing strict regulatory measures in stages.
• Violators will face severe legal penalties.

According to a recent report by UTUSAN, Malaysia will begin enforcing Section 6 of the Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Regulations 2024 from today, which prohibits the display of tobacco products at point of sale counters.

Previously, the Malaysian Ministry of Health stated in a declaration that the ban is part of the Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and its related regulations and orders, which came into effect on October 1st last year. According to the Ministry of Health, this ban affects 51,000 shops nationwide that sell tobacco products.

To ensure that businesses comply with the new regulations, the Ministry of Health stated that it will implement cautious and effective enforcement measures in stages. The Ministry of Health pointed out that the most appropriate method of enforcement is to prepare enclosed display cases, rather than using fabric or canvas covers.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that this measure is crucial to preventing any violations and eliminating any indirect promotional activities that go against the spirit of the display ban. The Ministry of Health will continue to work with store owners to ensure that the installation of enclosed cabinets meets requirements and will closely monitor compliance. It is expected that this process will be fully completed by October 1st.

Bill 852 includes provisions regarding the registration, sale, packaging, labeling of tobacco products, as well as restrictions on smoking in public places. The bill imposes stricter regulations on cigarette and e-cigarette retailers, including a ban on openly displaying related products in business premises.

Violators of the new regulations will face strict legal penalties. First-time offenders may be fined up to 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit (4,500 USD) or imprisoned for up to one year, or both; repeat offenders will face a maximum fine of 30,000 Malaysian Ringgit (6,800 USD) or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.