PETALING JAYA: The first phase of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 will include immediate action against smoking products that look like toys, says the Health Ministry.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry said the Act comes into effect simultaneously with the Regulations and Orders from Tuesday (Oct 1).

“The ministry is deeply concerned about the harmful effects of widespread smoking, including unethical marketing and promotional activities targeted at children and adolescents,” the statement read.

The ministry said several aspects of the Act will be enforced immediately, while others will be implemented in phases.

It said that provisions involving the sale of smoking products designed as toys to attract the attention of children and adolescents would come into immediate effect, as well as provisions involving advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of all types of smoking products.

It added that the prohibition of the sale of smoking products in places such as educational institutions, sales markets, online platforms, and vending machines would also be enforced immediately.

Meanwhile, educational enforcement will be implemented for six to 12 months after the enforcement dates.

These include the registration of smoking products to be enforced starting April 1, 2025, while packaging and labelling enforcement on a product-by-product basis no later than Oct 1, 2025.

“Sales control, including displays at sales counters, will be enforced no later than April 1, 2025.

“Effective and sustainable enforcement of the law requires understanding and cooperation from all parties,” the ministry added.

The statement also said the Health Ministry would publish education and advocacy materials to assist stakeholders in clearly understanding the Act.

“The ministry will also continue engagement sessions regarding compliance with this Act, particularly with industry players,” the statement added.