IPOH: The Perak Health Department will begin full enforcement of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024, which is set to take effect on April 1, 2025.
Perak health committee chairman A. Sivanesan said that all premises selling tobacco products would be regularly monitored, with enforcement action carried out by authorised officers through routine inspections or state-level coordinated operations.
"From April 1, 2025, the open display of tobacco products will no longer be allowed.
"Premises must ensure that tobacco products are concealed from public view using appropriate coverings, as required under the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024," he said when contacted.
Sivanesan said that action would be taken against any business displaying tobacco products in violation of the law, as outlined under Section 10, Prohibition on the Sale and Display of Tobacco Products.
"No person shall sell or display for sale any tobacco product, smoking substance or tobacco substitute product unless the sale or display complies with the specified legal requirements.
"Enforcement action will be taken against any premises that fails to comply with the legal provisions," he said.
"Violation notices under Section 47 of the Act would be issued to the premises owner for further action," he added.
He also said that the enforcement of the Act has been well-organised and structured since it was announced.
"There are several enforcement activities carried out immediately such as not smoking in smoke-free areas and phased enforcement such as tobacco product registration and advertising control of tobacco product sales.
"It also includes the installation of smoking ban signs using new infographics," he said.
He added that the six-month grace period was carried out in the form of health education and also offered space for retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers of tobacco products to prepare the requirements set by the Health Ministry.
MOH had announced in October last year that the proposed measure is set to take effect on April 1 2025.
