Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said all relevant Acts and regulations, including the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), would continue to be enforced as stipulated.

Dzulkefly said the smoking ban in offices was part of the government’s effort to protect public health and stressed that the regulation had been carefully planned to ensure a smoke-free work environment for the well-being of the people.

“Of course not (the ban will not be withdrawn)! All relevant Acts and regulations will continue to be enforced,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

“We implemented education enforcement first, and from April 1, several additional regulations will be implemented more strictly,” he told reporters after attending a symposium in Bangi.

Dzulkefly was asked to comment on lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla’s application for leave to challenge the ban on smoking in private offices, which has been fixed for hearing on Jan 22.

He said his ministry was prepared to face Haniff’s legal challenge and that the lawyer was within his rights to take legal measures and seek a judicial review.

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 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.