The government has been discussing the possibility of moving cigarettes to the non-Halal section in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other outlets. While the idea was still under consideration at the time, some places have already taken the initiative and made the change at their stores.
Starting today (1st October), the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) is rolling out stricter rules on the usage, sale, and display of smoking products throughout Malaysia.
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Selling tobacco online will be BANNED
The Ministry of Health‘s statement specifies that owners of non-smoking areas are required by law to display clear no-smoking signs that meet specific guidelines. These signs must also feature a QR code for easy verification.
The Act has designated several places like entertainment spots, hospitals, clinics, public restrooms, and air-conditioned stores as smoke-free zones. This also covers lifts, laundromats, public transport hubs, and certain areas in airports.
It also stops the sale of smoking products within 40 meters of schools or universities, aiming to make it harder for young people to get access to them.
On top of that, selling tobacco products online or through vending machines would be completely banned.
New packaging and labelling rules take effect immediately
They’re also taking action on several things now and introducing new rules gradually which include restrictions on selling smoking products that look like toys to make them less accessible to kids and teens.
The Act limits the display of tobacco products to specialised stores where they can’t be seen from outside.
The statement mentioned that before the rules take effect, an educational enforcement period of 6 to 12 months will be carried out starting April 1 next year to register smoking products.
New rules for packaging and labelling will start today, while sales restrictions, including how products are displayed at counters, will be enforced by April 1.
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Also read: “We support this” ā M’sians Applaud Isetan’s Bold Move to Relocate Cigarettes to Non-Halal Section
