Kuala Lumpur: Starting April 1, over 51,000 shops will be impacted by a ban on displaying tobacco products at sales counters, as stated by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The prohibition is part of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852], which was enacted on October 1, 2024, accompanied by its corresponding regulations and orders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Health announced that the ban on tobacco product displays is specified under Regulation 6 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024. The statement emphasized MOH’s efforts to ensure compliance with all regulations through ongoing education and advocacy initiatives since the enforcement of Act 852.

To ensure effective regulation enforcement, MOH has proposed a phased approach that balances caution with practicality. The enforcement will be executed in two stages – an immediate enforcement phase followed by a phased enforcement phase.

The statement highlighted that, based on successful international practices, the most effective method to implement the display ban is through the use of enclosed cabinets, as opposed to cloth or canvas coverings. MOH emphasized that enclosed cabinets are crucial to prevent non-compliance and avert indirect promotional activities that could compromise the objective of the display ban.

The ministry is committed to collaborating with retailers to ensure the proper installation of enclosed cabinets and will closely monitor compliance. The entire implementation process is anticipated to be completed by October 1, 2025.