Sarawak to enforce ban on tobacco, vape product displays in stores from April 1

KUCHING (March 13): The Sarawak Health Department will begin enforcing a ban on the display of tobacco and vape products at eateries and retail stores starting April 1, said State Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah.

She said this is in line with the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024 (Act 852), which prohibits the point-of-sale display of smoking products, including vape products, at these premises.

The Act also regulates registration, sales, packaging, labeling, and smoking prohibitions in public areas.

“Since Oct 2024, our team has been actively monitoring and educating (people) on the ground,” she told The Borneo Post when contacted today.

Meanwhile, Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) fully supports the law and will assist the State Health Department in increasing public awareness.

He said when it comes to enforcement, there should be political will to do it regularly.

“What we need to stress on is enforcing the law on a regular basis, because even now we have been receiving a lot of complaints from coffee shop owners, in particular, of people smoking at the shops.

“A law without enforcement is as good as without law,” he said.

According to The Star on March 12, several states, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Selangor, are set to enforce the ban on April 1 after notifying businesses in advance.

Under the new regulation, tobacco and vape products must be stored out of sight in closed cabinets.

-Agency