KUCHING: The Sarawak Government pledges full support for the Sarawak State Health Department’s efforts to enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) to protect the well-being of its people.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the implementation of this Act will not only create a healthier and safer environment for the people but also contribute to the prevention of the increasing trend of non-communicable diseases in the state.
“The state government will continue to collaborate in the implementation of Act 852 at the state level, while at the same time strengthening public health policies for the well-being of the people of Sarawak.
“I have been informed that during the initial implementation period of this Act, many integrated operations have been carried out, involving premise inspections, issuance of compounds and strict legal action against violations of the Act, as well as public education activities.
“This is proof that our enforcement capabilities are on solid footing,” he said.
He said in his speech text read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, when officiating the 2025 state level Operasi Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa) launching ceremony at Wisma Sabati here today.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said Ops Selamat PaPa is a strategic effort supporting Act 852, a key pillar in controlling smoking product use and protecting current and future generations from related harm.
“The implementation of Act 852 strengthens control over smoking products, including vape and electronic cigarettes, as well as advertising, promotion, sponsorship, sales, and smoking practices.
“Enforcement of the Act has been carried out in phases, with immediate enforcement beginning on October 1, 2024 for measures such as banning the sale of smoking products in the form of toys that attract children and teenagers, prohibiting the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of all types of smoking products.
“These also include the ban on sales at locations such as educational institutions, markets, online platforms, and vending machines,” he said.
He added that the phased enforcement applies to the registration of smoking products starting October 1 this year.
“Packaging and labelling requirements for smoking products will be enforced on a product-by-product basis no later than 1 October 2025.
“From the same date, all smoking products displayed at sales counters must be kept in closed cabinets and not visible from outside.
“For specialty stores selling smoking products, all doors or windows must be opaque and not visible from outside, whether day or night,” he added.
Dr Sim said that continuous enforcement is carried out in 28 gazetted no-smoking areas, including workplace buildings and laundromats.
Meanwhile, he added that the Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently announced that the Ministry of Health Malaysia is moving towards a total ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and vape, pending the results of a detailed expert committee study before presentation to the Cabinet.
