KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has lauded the Health Ministry's announcement regarding the implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), but has called on authorities to carry out strict and regular enforcement.
The amended Act, which will come into force on 1 October, is expected to include stringent measures against smoking and vaping, as well as stricter regulations on the sale of smoking products, particularly to minors.
CAP education officer NV Subbarow said that the association hopes that with the Act in force, offenders will no longer be able to evade penalties with mere warnings or fines, as they have in the past.
He added that CAP has waited a long time for the amended Act 852 to take effect and believes it will help save younger generations from adopting the habit.
"Act 852 will definitely save millions of young lives who are addicted to smoking and vaping, and ultimately, those involved with dangerous drugs. Hopefully, this Act will not only save human lives but also protect the environment in the long run," he said.
"The Act must be comprehensive in every possible way without leaving any gaps. Punishments imposed under the amended Act must correspond to the severity of the offences, serving as a deterrent to others.
"No more warnings or fines for smokers or offenders who do not comply with the law," he added.
Subbarow expressed concern over vaping and the use of e-cigarettes in no-smoking zones.
"Currently, there is minimal enforcement regarding vaping in these areas. Many vapers believe that some of these regulations only apply to cigarette smokers. They feel these provisions do not apply to them and may use that as an excuse to evade penalties," he said.
In a post on the Health Ministry's social media page, minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Act 852 covers regulations on smoking and tobacco products registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and smoking ban at public places.
"These rules and provisions that will be enforced include electronic cigarettes," he said.
Subbarow also suggested that the ministry makes it compulsory for no smoking zones to put up warning signs against the use of vape and e-cigarettes as well.
These signages, he said, must be put up at all the public spaces, bus stops, public gathering places, while walking on the street, office buildings and at shopping complexes to make sure that everyone understands the law.
"CAP fully supports Act 852 but we need good enforcement action to make sure the Act truly meets its purpose," he said.
Earlier, CAP had urged the government to ban the display of vape products, e-cigarettes, cigarettes and other tobacco-related items at payment counters in shops to protect youth from smoking and vaping.
He had said that minors are easy targets for the industry, especially with the wide range of attractive vape products designed with eye-catching colours, designs and various flavours.