Malaysia urged to strengthen tobacco licensing and enforcement
Backed by the Local Government Act 1976, the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said local councils must enforce business compliance with regulations set by national agencies, including the Health Ministry and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN).
MCTC president Dr M. Murallitharan said that since 2022, all tobacco retailers in Malaysia are required to be licensed by LKTN and to display the permit prominently as part of stricter measures to curb illicit sales.
"This measure is crucial to curb the sale of illicit tobacco products that have disrupted the legal market and caused significant economic losses," he said in a statement.
MCTC is a non-governmental coalition of health professionals and public health advocates working to promote tobacco control policies, support enforcement, and protect young people from tobacco and nicotine products.
Dr Murallitharan also urged local authorities to enforce regulations, including mandatory "No Smoking" signs, a ban on displaying smoking products at sales counters, and restrictions on marketing to minors.
Councils must strengthen enforcement by making public health rules a core condition of business licences, helping to reduce overlap with other agencies, he said.
Dr Murallitharan also said all local councils should take proactive steps to review and tighten their licensing terms, incorporating relevant legal and regulatory requirements to support national efforts to protect consumers and public health.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
26-06-2025
- The Sun
Govt urged to ban vapes amid youth abuse and drug risks in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing after inhaling a drug-laced vape has intensified demands for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) warns that rising youth exploitation and links to organised crime require urgent action. MCTC secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may face logistical hurdles, strict advertising restrictions must be enforced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). He noted that continued vape promotions mislead the public into thinking the products are harmless. 'In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run,' he said during a press conference at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) headquarters. The event, titled 'Drugs in Vape', coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day. Also present was Hashim Anang, PEMADAM Media and Promotion Bureau chairman. Muhammad Sha'ani highlighted cases of students smuggling vapes into schools, including a Perlis teen who reportedly became intoxicated after using a 'mushroom vape'. Police findings also revealed some seized vape liquids contained illicit drugs alongside nicotine. He stressed that allowing industry players to influence regulations prioritises corporate interests over public health. Malaysia's commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, targeting a tobacco-free nation by 2040, should extend to vaping, he added.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Govt urged to consider total vape ban amid youth abuse, drug risks
Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing from a school rooftop after inhaling a drug-laced vape is just one of many disturbing incidents fuelling renewed calls for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said the growing exploitation of youth, rising public health risks and emerging links to illicit drugs and organised crime require urgent and decisive government action. Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may not be feasible due to stock and distribution challenges, the government must begin with a strict prohibition on advertising and promotions. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which is already in effect, provides a strong legal foundation to enforce restrictions on advertisements, promotions and online sales of vape products, including those containing controlled substances or illicit drugs. He noted that when vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. "In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run," he told reporters. He was speaking at a press conference titled 'Drugs in Vape', held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day, at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) headquarters here today. Also present was Hashim Anang, PEMADAM Media and Promotion Bureau chairman as well as a member of the National Anti-Drug Council, a non-governmental coalition. Despite growing awareness of vape-related harm, Muhammad Sha'ani said many students continue to smuggle the devices into schools, often hiding them under motorcycle seats along with mobile phones. He cited the case of a Form Two student in Perlis who reportedly became intoxicated after using a so-called "mushroom vape", resulting in a dangerous incident that required police intervention. He added that allowing vape industry players to negotiate regulations would only benefit corporate interests while putting public health, particularly that of the younger generation, at continued risk. Even more alarming, he said, were recent findings by police, showing that some seized vape liquids contained not only nicotine, but also illicit drugs. "Malaysia has already committed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 2003, which outlines the eventual phasing out of the tobacco industry. We have declared 2040 as the Tobacco Endgame. "The same commitment must apply to vape. This is not an ordinary business, it is a growing threat to public health," he stressed. — BERNAMA
The Sun
31-05-2025
- The Sun
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms, backed by pharmacists, advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement today, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. 'Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. 'The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.
