KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no back-tracking or U-turn on any regulations that fall under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefy Ahmad said Malaysia stands firm on the implementation of all regulations under the act, including those involving the control of sales and advertising, registration, packaging and labelling.
"Certainly, everyone knows that we have an unwavering commitment after working tirelessly to present and pass the act in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
"Therefore, we will undoubtedly commit and make efforts to implement this with a prudent approach. We will do it with all responsibility and accountability.
"So with that, there is no issue of turning back. There is no backtracking on this," he said to reporters after the launch of the Cik Era Chatbot via the JomQuit website at the Prince Court Medical Centre, here.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) which urged the Health Ministry not to make a U-turn on the regulations under the act.
He said the entire supply chain should buy in on the implementation of the act.
He said if there were any questions or any party that requires consultation, the ministry was still open to engage with them.
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 came into effect on Oct 1.
Among the provisions taking immediate effect is the ban on the sale of smoking products in the form of toys that appeal to children and teenagers.
"Educational enforcement" will be implemented gradually over a period of six to 12 months.
This will include the registration of smoking products starting on 1st April next year, packaging and labelling regulations by product and sales control at counters by Oct 1 next year.