KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to backtrack on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which was implemented on Oct 1, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the government will continue to implement the Act, which covers regulations on registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and the prohibition of smoking in public places responsibly and with accountability.
“We will ensure all the efforts and commitment to enforce the Act. So, there is no issue of the government backtracking. But the Act must be enforced with tact and wisdom.
“What we need, especially from the industry and players as well as the supply chain, is to show that they are with us. They must show that they understand why the products must be regulated,” he said in a press conference after the launch of a new online chat programme, “Cik Era ChatBot”, via the JomQuit website.
He was responding to a question referring to the Consumers Association of Penang’s (CAP) statement on Oct 13, reminding the Health Ministry not to heed proposals or advice from the commercial industry, some of which were against the Act.
Dzulkefly, however, added that the ministry is still open to engagement sessions with industry players on the enforcement of the Act.
“They (industry players) must have the empathy to understand why there is a need to regulate smoking products.
“Today, we launched a programme to help people to quit smoking. I am confident that they would be responsible if they understand the purpose of the regulation.
“We can still engage with industry players and we are open to further questions, but we would not reverse or backtrack on the law. This is the commitment not only by the ministry but by the government,” he added.
At the event, Dzulkefly launched the Cik Era ChatBot programme to assist smokers in kicking the habit through the online JomQuit portal.
The programme offers a 24-hour chat service for smokers, assisted by a ChatBot, before they are channelled to trained service providers looking to quit vaping or smoking.
“Hopefully, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence, we will help more smokers quit their habits. Under the JomQuit programme, we have strategic partners from the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), among others.
“With the cooperation of both public and private clinics, there are 1,000 clinics helping the public to quit smoking by holding the JomQuit programme,” he said.
For those seeking assistance to quit smoking or vaping, they can refer to the official JomQuit portal at jomquit.moh.gov.my or WhatsApp 010-3505199.
