Act 852 In Final Stages, Awaiting AGC Approval - Dzulkefly

KUALA BESUT, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The regulation and an order of Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) are in the final stages of obtaining approval from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) before the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) can enforce them, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said that once the five regulations and the order under the Act are approved, the matter will be returned to the MOH for enforcement, including measures to curb the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) via vending machines.

“With this Act, insya-Allah, we will be able to address such issues more effectively. Previously, the MOH informed that it would be enforced this month, but not everything is within the MOH's control.

"We are working with other departments such as the AGC because regulations and orders need to be carefully scrutinised to avoid any harm. They say, the devil is in the details,” he said.

Dzulkefly told this to reporters in response to the issue of vape sales through vending machines in the federal capital that recently went viral on social media. Earlier, he had after attended the Walkabout Programme for Clean Premises, Smoke-Free (BeBAs) at the MARA Arcade, Pulau Perhentian, here today.

Dzulkefly stressed that the MOH ensures regulations and orders under the Act are carefully reviewed.

"Until the Act is fully enforced, we will continue to use the Tobacco Product Control Regulations 2004 (PPKHT). So, there’s no gap in enforcement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly called for full cooperation from state governments to implement smoke-free zones in crowded areas such as the Terengganu Smoke-Free (TBAR) initiative at Pantai Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu.

He noted that in addition to Terengganu, three other states — Penang, Melaka and Kelantan — have implemented similar initiatives.

“I hope for the cooperation of the State Health Departments (JKN) and state health executive councillors to make this programme successful, especially in beach areas. It should be expanded nationwide without exception as it is very important,” he added.

-- BERNAMA