PETALING JAYA: A total of 160,839 compound notices have been issued nationwide under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 as of Nov 30 last year, says the Health Ministry.
In a statement on Thursday (Jan 8), it said the enforcement actions were carried out under Operation Safe Lungs (Ops Selamat PaPa), launched to strengthen enforcement of the Act, particularly against the manufacturing, distribution and sale of all types of smoking products.
Of the total compounds, 137,568 were for smoking in prohibited areas, followed by 18,318 offences involving building owners or occupants.
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In addition, 4,886 compound notices were issued for offences involving minors smoking, while 67 were issued to minors for buying smoking products.
During the same period, the ministry said 2,352 investigation papers were opened for non-compoundable offences.
In terms of court action, 58 cases have been concluded, resulting in total fines amounting to RM394,700.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Act to safeguard public health, particularly in protecting the younger generation from the dangers of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and vape products.
It was reported that actor and comedian Shuib was fined RM10,000 in default a year's jail by a Magistrate’s Court for promoting tobacco products in 2024.
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Shuib, whose full name is Shahmira Muhamad, 42, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah.
He was accused of promoting smoking products in violation of Section 9(1) of the Act.
He committed the offence through a YouTube podcast link at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024, as read by the Health Ministry's Public Health Legal and Inspection Sector.
The charge, framed under Section 9(3) of the Act and punishable under Section 9(3)(a)(i), carries a fine of up to RM20,000, or jail of up to one year, or both upon conviction.
