KUALA LUMPUR — The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] came into force on Oct 1, 2024, with full enforcement set to begin on Oct 1, 2025. The Ministry of Health (MOH) remains committed to enforcing Act 852 and has launched Operasi Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa) to strengthen enforcement activities.
MOH spokesperson said the operation focuses primarily on the manufacturing, distribution and sale of all types of smoking products, with the aim of protecting the younger generation from the dangers of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, which have become increasingly widespread.
“As of Nov 30, 2025, a total of 25,643 enforcement activities have been carried out, involving inspections at 496,247 premises nationwide,” the spokesperson said in a statement today.
According to the spokesperson, enforcement outcomes included 160,839 compounds issued on-site for compoundable offences, comprising 67 cases involving minors purchasing smoking products, 137,568 cases of smoking in prohibited areas, 4,886 cases involving minors smoking, and 18,318 cases involving offences by building owners or occupants.
In addition, 2,352 investigation papers were opened for non-compoundable offences.
The spokesperson said 58 court cases had been concluded, resulting in fines totalling RM394,700.
“In the latest case, the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court convicted an influencer under Section 9(1) of Act 852 for promoting smoking products through his Podcast on YouTube,” the spokesperson said.
The violation was detected by the MOH on Oct 22, 2024, and the court imposed a fine of RM10,000 or one year’s imprisonment in default of payment.
The spokesperson stressed that enforcement and prosecution are measures of last resort and called on all parties to cooperate and comply with Act 852 to prevent disease and ultimately achieve optimal public health. (Bernama)
