S’wak Health Director: Laundrettes, workplace buildings now non-smoking zones

KUCHING (Oct 30): Launderettes and workplace buildings have been included in the list of non-smoking areas under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on Oct 1.

“They are the latest additions to the list of 28 designated non-smoking zones under Act 852,” said Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah.

She shared this when speaking at the launch of the Integrated Mega Operation under the Act 852, the War on Sugar Campaign, and the state-level World Environmental Health Day 2024 celebration, held at the department’s multipurpose hall here today.

On the Integrated Mega Operation, Dr Veronica said the department is collaborating with several external agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), local authorities, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Inland Revenue Board, and the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry.

“The operation conducted in the Kuching Division today (Oct 30) is part of the advocacy initiative related to Act 852,” she added.

Elaborating on the Act, she said it was previously gazetted on Feb 2 and that it includes 11 regulations and two orders, replacing the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, which had been enforced since 2004.

“This Act encompasses registration, sale, packaging, labelling and the prohibition of smoking in public places. The enforcement of this Act will involve several aspects that will be implemented both immediately and in phases,” she said.

The immediate enforcement measures were the prohibition of advertising smoking products and counterfeit smoking products; the ban on selling smoking products in educational institutions, markets, vending machines and online; the restriction on selling smoking products to minors; and the declaration of designated non-smoking areas.

Meanwhile, the enforcement of sections under Act 852 that will be implemented in phases include the registration of smoking products, set to take effect from April 1, 2025; packaging and labelling, which will be enforced on a product-by-product basis no later than Oct 1, 2025; and sales control, including exhibitions at sales counters, which will be enforced by April 1, 2025, at the latest.

“I hope the enforcement of this new Act will achieve its objective of protecting public health from the dangers of smoking and vaping.

“The Ministry of Health’s (KKM) move to gazette Act 852 starting Feb 2 is in line with efforts to curb the use of tobacco products and reduce the harm caused by smoking, as well as the use of other tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vapes,” Dr Veronica added.