KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department has launched a statewide joint operation to educate the public on the new laws regarding smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and chewable tobacco.
State Health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said the operation will be conducted prudently, with an educational enforcement approach, to help affected groups understand the requirements of the new laws ensure compliance.
He said it would be an integrated operation which would also involve several other agencies, including the police, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Customs Department and local authorities.
He said, in 2004, the Tobacco Product Control Regulations were enacted and enforced across Malaysia.
Dr Asits said the government spent a significant amount on treating various chronic diseases caused by smoking.
Early intervention is essential to prevent future generations from developing smoking habits and to promote a healthy, smoke-free generation, he said.
"However, due to technological advancements, the existing regulations could not cover certain elements of enforcement. Several studies have shown that the prevalence of electronic cigarette use is increasing year by year.
"For this reason, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 was formulated and gazetted in February and enforced starting from Oct 1," he said during the launch of the operation at the Federal Administrative Complex auditorium here.
Speaking to reporters later, Dr Asits said that 780 enforcement officers will carry out educational awareness campaigns throughout the state.
During the six-month operation, officials will remind business owners to display posters indicating that cigarette and e-cigarette use is prohibited within commercial premises.
However, starting from April 1 next year, tobacco products must be kept in enclosed cabinets, and packaging and labelling standards will also be enforced by Oct 1, 2025.
The sale of tobacco products in toy-like forms that could appeal to children and adolescents will also be prohibited.
When asked whether the ban on smoking in public would be enforced during the state election campaign, Dr Asits said there would be no exception to the enforcement of the law, regardless of the situation.