MOH Remains Steadfast To Realise 'Malaysia Bebas Rokok' By 2040
CYBERJAYA, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MOH) remains steadfast in its mission to realise a "Malaysia Bebas Rokok" by 2040, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the vision is achievable through shared commitment and standing firm on policies rooted in public good.
"As we look ahead, the MOH remains steadfast in its mission to realise 'Malaysia Bebas Rokok' by 2040. 15 years down the road...are we able to do it? It's a bold mantra, a bold vision," he said in his officiating speech at the National Tobacco Control Conference 2025, here today.
The event was held in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day with the theme, "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing IndustryTactics on Smoking Products".
Dzulkefly said today the people are not only confronting harmful products but confronting a billion-dollar industry that has rebranded addiction via sleek devices, sweet flavours, seductive marketing, aimed squarely at the promising youth.
Highlighting Malaysia's international recognition, Dzulkefly said the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially adopted Malaysia's Lung Health Resolution during the 78th World Health Assembly recently.
He said that was a historic move marking the first-ever global resolution that places lung health at the centre of the world's public health agenda.
Dzulkefly stressed that while policy enforcement is key, it must be complemented with health promotion and community engagement.
He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), in effect since Oct 1, 2024 restricts the marketing and sale of tobacco and vape products, especially to youth.
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