Launderettes, workplace buildings to be non-smoking areas effective Jan

The Health Ministry said that under the newly enforced Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), launderettes and workplace buildings would be listed as no-smoking zones.

However, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the two areas would come under the restriction on Jan 1 next year.

Having said that, the minister said he was confident that the national prevalence of smoking could drop to less than 15 percent next year from 19 percent with the enforcement of Act 852, which took effect on Oct 1.

Dzulkefly also said the prevalence of smoking in Malaysia was 21.3 percent in 2019 and dropped to 19 percent, but there was a significant increase in the trend of using electronic cigarettes.

"The prevalence of smoking has dropped from 21.3 percent to 19 percent, but the transition from smoking to vaping saw an increase from 3.2 percent in 2016 to 4.9 percent in 2019 and now it is 5.8 percent," he said.

Dzulkefly said this to the media after a briefing on Act 852 today, which was also attended by Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Norhayati Rusli.

He added that there are 28 non-smoking areas under Act 852 compared to only 23 under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2018 under the Food Act 1983.

Over 2,500 warning notices

Meanwhile, Norhayati said a total of 2,548 warning notices had been issued since Act 852 came into force last Oct 1.

Three compounds were also issued for smoking at prohibited smoking areas, she added.

Norhayati said the ministry had also inspected 2,930 premises and conducted 108 operations during routine enforcement of the smoking ban in eateries, restaurants and public places.

Act 852 is comprehensive and is aimed at controlling the use of electronic cigarettes which was previously unregulated, especially among young people and to strengthen control over other tobacco products, she added.

It was gazetted last Feb 2 and came into force simultaneously with the Regulations and Orders under the law on Oct 1.

- Bernama

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