“Yesterday, my firm obtained a sealed copy of the notice of application for leave to commence the judicial review, and it is now in the process of being served on the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” Haniff said in a statement.

“The Kuala Lumpur High Court registry has also fixed the hearing (date), which will be held on an ex-parte basis, for Jan 22,” he added.

On Dec 31, Haniff filed an application for leave to commence a judicial review against the health minister and the government to challenge the smoking ban in private offices which came into force on Jan 1 this year.

Sinar Harian reported on Dec 31 that Haniff had said the smoking ban under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) was unconstitutional and that he wanted the court to quash the order.

Haniff also wants the court to compel Putrajaya to exempt his Kota Damansara law firm from the ban as he is a heavy smoker. He also said his office had long notified employees and clients of his smoking habit.