Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan Launches 'Save the Lungs' Campaign, Imposes Heavy Fines on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers

Aug.04.2025
Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan Launches 'Save the Lungs' Campaign, Imposes Heavy Fines on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers
Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan Health Department launched the 'Save the Lungs Campaign' (Ops Selamat PaPa) to target illegal e-cigarette and cigarette sales. The operation issued 61 fines totaling 12,600 ringgit and initiated investigations into 9 cases. Since the 2024 Public Health Tobacco Control Products Act, 885 enforcement actions have been conducted, inspecting 24,000 stores and issuing 5,606 fines.

Key points:

 

·Background: In response to the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Act 2024, aimed at combating the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. 

 

·Enforcement results: The operation issued 61 fines, totaling RM 12,600 (approximately $2,772), and opened investigations into 9 cases. 

 

·Enforcement focus: Special attention was given to illegal promotion, advertising, and sponsorship activities targeting children and adolescents, with a zero-tolerance approach. 

 

·Enforcement details: Verification of e-cigarette product specifications, ensuring sales outlets display no-smoking signs, and compliance with product registration and display regulations. 

 

·Publicity efforts: Distribution of 27,818 promotional materials promoting tobacco control concepts. 

 

·Long-term goal: Protecting young people from the harm of tobacco and e-cigarettes, and advancing the goal of a smoke-free society.

 


【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from Oriental Daily News on August 3rd, the Selangor Health Department in Malaysia launched the "Save Lungs Operation" (Ops Selamat PaPa) at the beginning of the month, with a focus on combating the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. A total of 61 fines were issued during this operation, amounting to a total of RM 12,600 (approximately $2,772), and investigations were initiated for 9 cases.

 

This action is in response to the Health Ministry's comprehensive enforcement requirements of the Public Health (Control of Tobacco Products) Act 2024 (Act 852). Since the implementation of the Act on October 1, 2024, the Selangor State Health Department has been particularly focused on illegal promotion, advertising, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes and cigarettes targeting children and adolescents, and has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to these behaviors.

 

Law enforcement officers are closely monitoring e-cigarette products in action, verifying their compliance with relevant specifications, and ensuring that all sales venues display no-smoking warning signs, while adhering to product registration and display regulations. It is reported that the deadline for these requirements is March 31, 2025, with full enforcement starting on April 1, 2025.

 

According to statistics from the Negeri Sembilan State Health Department, since the law came into effect, as of July 29, 2025, the department has carried out 885 enforcement actions, inspected 23,811 stores, issued 5,606 fines totaling approximately 1.2 million ringgit (approximately $260,000), and successfully prosecuted 23 cases, with fines totaling 9,030 ringgit (approximately $1,987). Additionally, to promote the idea of smoking control, 27,818 pieces of promotional materials have been distributed.

 

The Negeri Sembilan State Health Department has stated that they will continue to increase enforcement and awareness efforts to protect young people from the harm of tobacco and e-cigarettes, in order to safeguard the health and well-being of the entire population. This effort aligns with the government's gradual goal of banning the sale and use of e-cigarettes, moving towards a smoke-free society.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
Product|PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg
Product|PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg
According to Better Retailing, Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched Zyn Menthol Ice 16.5mg in the UK, marking the highest-strength nicotine pouch in the Zyn range to date. The eucalyptus- and menthol-flavored product is now available through PMI Open and will begin rolling out to wholesale channels from the end of May.
PMI
May.28
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a programmatic environmental assessment covering nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, concluding that their overall environmental impact is generally minimal.
Regulations
May.22
AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized two fruit-flavored vaping products from Glas, but a newly released agency memo shows the products did not demonstrate greater smoking-cessation benefits than tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. The Associated Press said the findings are likely to raise further questions about the FDA’s regulatory rationale and standards for flavored vaping products.
Jun.12
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.
Special Report
May.14
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
The South Korean government rejected allegations that Chinese synthetic-nicotine e-liquids were linked to about 16 trillion won in tobacco tax evasion, saying China does not ban synthetic nicotine exports and the estimate is difficult to verify, while acknowledging that pre-law synthetic-nicotine inventory is effectively difficult to tax.
Market
Jun.25