Gooi says Penang will work with federal authorities to curb smoking, especially among the young. — Filepic
Grace period ends, state to seize all unregistered tobacco, vape items
WITH the nationwide Operasi Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa) currently underway, Penang is stepping up local enforcement under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said more frequent inspections and stricter action would follow to ensure the lawful regulation of all smoking products – including traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes.
“Previously, there were engagement sessions focused on advisory and educational efforts.
“We allowed time for product registration then. But now, if your product is not registered, you cannot sell it. We have the authority to confiscate non- compliant products.
“For now, there will be planned inspections and enforcement operations with the relevant agencies, such as the state health department and my office,” he said during his visit to The Star’s Pitt Street office, in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Key aspects of the Act, which came into effect on Oct 1 last year, include prohibiting sales to minors, banning display of products at retail points of sale, restricting advertising and promotions and expanding smoke-free zones.
However, manufacturers and importers were given a year to update packaging and labelling of their products to comply with the new regulations. The grace period ended last month.
Gooi said key provisions under the Act included Section 3, which covers the registration of all tobacco and smoking products; Section 10, which regulates their sale and display; and Section 15, which governs packaging and labelling requirements.
He said vape products registered with Health Ministry could still be sold.
“Conventional cigarettes remain legal, but retailers are prohibited from displaying them openly. Sales remain restricted to individuals aged 18 and above,” he said.
Gooi said based on the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), vape use in Penang was relatively low, with only about 3% of the population (38,000 people) using electronic cigarettes.
He said the adult smoking prevalence stood at 15.2% of the total population in Penang, lower than many other states.
He added that 86 vape shops had so far registered with Health Ministry, alongside 426 convenience stores selling vape products.
Gooi said Penang remained committed to strengthening public health policies and would continue working with the federal authorities to curb smoking, particularly among the younger generation.
