PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has dismissed claims that small traders face financial pressure to upgrade smoking product display cabinets under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
He said claims by certain quarters that the implementation of the law places pressure on small traders are unreasonable.
"Honestly, it stretches my imagination because all that is required is to install a cover on the display cabinet and comply with the regulations set out in Act 852.
"I don't think installing a cover would cost up to RM6,000. It would probably be only a few hundred ringgit," he said at a press conference after launching the national World Mental Health Day celebration here.
Commenting on the six-month enforcement period for Act 852, which has been criticised as being too short, Dr Dzulkefly said the period is intended for educational enforcement.
The act which was enforced earlier this month includes stringent regulations on the use, sale, and display of smoking products across the country.
Among its regulations is that such products must not be visible from outside.
Previously, it was reported that the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia (FSGMAM) had urged the ministry to delay the implementation of the ban on displaying smoking products.
Its president, Hong Chee Meng, claimed that the ban was hastily enforced without any consultation with retailers regarding the compliance period.
He claimed that the move burdened small businesses without any consideration, as estimates suggested that each retailer might incur costs of up to RM6,000 to comply with the display ban.
"Overall, this cost could reach nearly RM300 million for implementation nationwide by Apr 1 2025," he said.