In a statement, MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said he was pleased that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) will take effect tomorrow.

He said this was a crucial step towards reducing the health risks associated with smoking and vaping.

The new law aims to ban the sale, purchase and provision of tobacco products, smoking materials and tobacco substitutes to minors, as well as restrict smoking-related services to those under the age of 18.

“We are especially concerned about the wide sale of vaping products throughout the country through numerous channels, including vending machines, which has been allowed to go unchecked.

“We hope the ministry will also share how it plans to monitor and control the import and sale of vape products as certain vape liquids may contain other harmful ingredients, apart from nicotine.

“There must be clear guidelines about what is permissible for sale and consumption.”

Kalwinder also urged the government to implement comprehensive public health campaigns alongside the new legislation to ensure long-term success in safeguarding the health of all Malaysians.

Noting that the act initially had to go through several hurdles before it was finally approved for implementation, Kalwinder said it was vital for the enforcement to be consistent and widespread.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, e-cigarette and vape use among Malaysian teens, aged 13-17, rose from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022.

Teen vaping prevalence among males is at 23.3% and 6.2% among females.