Retailers and Eateries in Key Malaysian States Face Cigarette Display Ban Starting 1 April

Starting 1 April, retailers and eateries across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, and Selangor will no longer be allowed to display tobacco and vape products openly as Malaysia enforces new smoking regulations.

The new ruling is part of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which aims to reduce the visibility and accessibility of smoking products. While the Act was gazetted in February 2024 and came into effect on 1 October 2024, enforcement was delayed to provide businesses time to adjust.

Authorities, including Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Penang Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, and Perak Health Committee Chairman A Sivanesan, have confirmed that health department officers will begin enforcing the regulation once the grace period ends.

Retailers who fail to comply may face penalties, with individuals liable for fines between RM500 and RM30,000, while organisations could face fines up to RM300,000 or even imprisonment.

While specialty stores that sell only tobacco and vape products are exempt from the ruling, these premises must not be visible from the outside.

The Act also designates various public spaces such as entertainment centres, hospitals, clinics, public toilets, and air-conditioned shops as non-smoking zones. Businesses operating in these areas are required to display clear no-smoking signs to ensure compliance.

Source : MalayMail