PETALING JAYA: The full effect of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) will kick in upon expiration of the grace period for industries to transition and adapt to the new law, says the Health Ministry (MOH).
“As previously mentioned, the MOH is giving a six-month grace period for industries and shop owners before full enforcement takes effect,” the ministry said in a statement to The Star.
“During this period, the focus is on educational enforcement, offering guidance and educational materials to help businesses comply with the regulations.
“Briefings and support will be given to sellers and shop owners. Once the grace period ends, full enforcement of the law will commence,” it added.
The ministry will carry out “educational enforcement” for regulations concerning the registration and display of smoking products until March 31, while the grace period regarding packaging and labelling ends on Sept 30 next year.
“Educational enforcement refers to raising awareness and advocating to industries and shop owners selling smoking products to comply with regulations concerning the registration and display of these products,” it said.
“This approach will help industries and shop owners understand the provisions in Act 852 before full enforcement is implemented.”
Asked if it is necessary to allow manufacturers up to a year to change packaging and labels, the ministry said the grace period applies on a product-by-product basis.
“The one-year grace period, applied on a product-by-product basis, is crucial to give industries and shop owners adequate time to deplete their existing stock and transition to new packaging and labelling requirements under Act 852,” it said.
The Act, enforced on Oct 1, covers regulations on registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and prohibition of smoking in public places.
Among the requirements are for vape products to carry health warnings.
The first phase of the Act will include immediate action against smoking products that look like toys.
