The group said there were concerns that a significant number of the 51,000 retailers involved had yet to install enclosed cabinets to comply with the Control of Public Health (Control of Sale) Regulations 2024 by next month.

“We are now hearing from the ground that some of those yet to comply in time are already rallying political support, through complaints such as narratives that this is harming small businesses.

“Similar grouses have always made the rounds when enforcement of any tobacco control regulation comes up,” the council said.

MCTC said the government should not cave in to social media pressure from this small group of industry players but proceed with the ban with no exceptions.

“It is prudent to remind the government that the voice of public opinion has been crystal clear on this issue: enforcement of the Act for the safety and health of our citizens is paramount,” the council said.

MCTC also suggested that retailers who had yet to install closed cabinets be allowed to use a cloth or canvas as a temporary measure, provided that they set clear timelines for proper installations.

It also called for the government to conduct transparent compliance inspections of retailers with top-level oversight to avoid allegations of favouritism or corruption at the ground level.

MCTC said it would conduct its own visits to towns, regions, and districts to monitor compliance.

“These visits will be carried out with partner organisations and volunteers, and will be transparently reported on the JomLapor.com public reporting portal as well as through regular press conferences,” it said.

MCTC added that it would collaborate with leading academic institutions to run a national survey to assess compliance and report the findings to the health ministry.