Starting April 1, over 51,000 retail outlets will be affected by a new tobacco display ban, according to the Ministry of Health.
This measure is part of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on October 1, 2024, alongside its accompanying regulations and orders.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry highlighted that the ban, outlined in Regulation 6 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024, aims to reduce tobacco product visibility at sales counters.
“Since the enforcement of Act 852, the ministry has actively worked to ensure compliance through ongoing education and advocacy,” the statement read.
The ministry has introduced a two-stage enforcement strategy to ensure a balanced and practical implementation of the regulation. The approach will begin with immediate enforcement, followed by a phased rollout to accommodate businesses.
Drawing from successful practices in other nations, the ministry emphasized that enclosed cabinets, rather than cloth or canvas coverings, will be used to prevent non-compliance and avoid indirect promotion of tobacco products.
“Enclosed cabinets are a critical measure to ensure the ban’s effectiveness and prevent activities that could undermine its goals,” the ministry stated.
Retailers will receive continued support from the ministry to ensure proper installation of the cabinets, with compliance closely monitored.
The full implementation of the tobacco display ban is expected to be completed by October 1, 2025.
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