PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – From April 1, tobacco products can no longer be put on open display at shops in several states. Instead, they must be kept hidden from view in closed cabinets.
The move aligns with the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024 (Act 852), which prohibits point-of-sale display of smoking products at eateries and retail stores. The Act, enforced on Oct 1, 2024, covers regulations on registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and prohibition of smoking in public places. The Act also imposes a prohibition on the display of all tobacco and vape items in retail stores.
Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Selangor are ready to enforce the ban effective April 1 after having informed shops about the move earlier.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the Kuala Lumpur Health Department will begin enforcement upon the expiration of the grace period.
Selangor youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the state is likely to follow suit.
Describing it as the right move, he said the matter is part of Tuesday’s state exco meeting agenda.
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the state Health Department will monitor stalls to ensure they don’t display smoking products at retail outlets.
“Individuals can be fined from MYR500 up to MYR30,000, while organisations may be slapped with up to MYR300,000 in fines, or jailed,” he said.
Enforcement officers will also target products disguised as toys or sold via vending machines and online platforms.
“Retailers can only use designated signboards to show the availability of cigarette or vaping products and the prices. Certain specialised stores are allowed to display smoking products, but must prominently feature warning signs,” he said.
Act 852 was gazetted last October but the Health Ministry (MOH) provided a grace period until April 1 before full enforcement.
Gooi said the Penang Health Department has also held advocacy sessions for traders and businesses from last October to this January.
Sundry shop owner Tan Chiew Beng, 41, said he is prepared to comply with the new regulations.
He supported the no-smoking advocacy, adding that cigarette sales might decline because of reduced visibility. He sells 20 to 30 packs of cigarettes a week, earning a small profit of MYR1 per pack, but acknowledged the financial and health challenges of cigarettes on lower-income consumers.
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is urging authorities to ensure there are no further delays in enforcing Act 852.
Its senior education officer and anti-smoking activist NV Subbarow said action must be taken against the violators, as enough time has already been given.
