MOH enforces smoking rules to protect public health
In a statement today, MOH clarified that the importation, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids in the local market are strictly regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852]
The ministry's Disease Control Division stated that the issuance of interim manufacturing licences for such devices falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) under the Industrial Coordination Act 1975 and local authority by-laws.
MOH noted that under Section 2 of Act 852 and its accompanying regulations and orders, e-cigarette liquids are defined as smoking products and therefore strictly regulated.
The ministry also clarified that multiple government agencies are involved in regulating the e-cigarette industry in Malaysia, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, which oversees import controls under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2008.
In addition, safety standard testing for devices is conducted by SIRIM and enforced under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022, under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
It stated that any decision regarding the import, manufacturing and distribution of e-cigarette liquids is a collective decision made by all relevant government agencies.
MOH issued the clarification following media reports on May 28 that U.S.-based vape and e-cigarette company Ispire Technology Inc. had been granted a temporary licence to operate in Senai, Johor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Indonesian border post chief: Speed up Serikin ICQS Complex construction to ease cross-border travel, boost ties
(From third left) Misdo and Henry with delegation members from Sarawak at PLBN Jagoi Babang in West Kalimantan. KUCHING (Aug 11): Construction of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Serikin should be expedited to ease cross-border travel as well as boost economic and tourism ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. In saying this, Pos Lintas Batas Negara (PLBN) Jagoi Babang chief administrator Misdo Jerry Purba pointed out the facility is crucial to enable passport processing at the border and replace the current border pass system, which limits travel to Bau. 'At present, residents of Jagoi Babang heading to Kuching have to go through Aruk, which takes more than two hours. With ICQS Serikin, the trip could take less than an hour,' she said during a recent visit by Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep to PLBN Jagoi Babang in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. She said Kuching is a preferred destination for shopping, healthcare, and air travel for many in Jagoi Babang and neighbouring areas such as Siding and Seluas. 'The journey to Pontianak takes seven to eight hours, compared to only one hour to Kuching. 'Having a proper ICQS here would be a far more practical gateway for border communities to access healthcare and economic opportunities in Kuching. 'Without ICQS Serikin, residents from West Kalimantan must take the longer route via the Aruk-Biawak entry point, which can take more than two and a half hours,' she explained. Misdo stressed it is vital for border inspections at Serikin to meet international standards and allow the use of passports, regardless of whether the building is large or modest in size. She described the facility as long-awaited by people on both sides of the border and hoped construction could begin by the end of this year. 'Our hope is very high because this project is important for the future of both countries,' she said. She pointed out cultural and family ties between Jagoi Babang and Bau remain strong. 'During Gawai Sowa and Gawai Dayak, we helped about 700 people with valid documents cross the border to meet their families. 'With passport use through ICQS Serikin, it will be even easier to maintain these relationships,' she said. According to her, Fridays are the busiest days at PLBN Jagoi Babang due to the Serikin market. 'On Fridays, we see between 100 and 150 visitors from Jagoi Babang, compared to 50 to 60 on regular weekdays. Once passport services are available, this could rise to 500 a day. 'This would not only boost market activity but also bring more customers to local shops and services,' she said. Tourism could also grow, she added, with waterfalls, rivers, and other natural attractions drawing more visitors. 'Direct transport routes like Singkawang to Kuching could be introduced, offering faster links for both business and leisure. 'Better connectivity can attract more investment, encourage tourism, and create more opportunities for small businesses,' she said. The Serikin ICQS initiative began in 2018 through a series of discussions led by Henry with relevant authorities including the Bau District Office, Bau District Council, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Works Department (JKR), Rural Water Supply Department, police, army, and project consultant. Meetings were held at the Bau District Office along with site visits to the border area as well as working visits to Indonesia's PLBN Jagoi Babang. JKR Sarawak recently issued the tender for the construction of the ICQS complex in Serikin. Henry Harry Jinep Jagoi Babang lead Serikin ICQS
The Star
18 hours ago
- The Star
No plan to merge Customs and LHDN into single tax agency, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to implement a single tax agency by corporatising and merging the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government remains committed to improving governance in the national taxation system to be more efficient, transparent and compliance-friendly, in line with needs and international best practices. "At present, there is no decision or plan to implement such an agency," he said in a parliamentary written reply to Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PN-Pasir Puteh). "However, in efforts to enhance the governance of the national taxation system to be more efficient and capable of addressing revenue leakages, efforts are being intensified to strengthen cooperation between (LHDN and Customs), particularly in information sharing and enforcement." The Finance Ministry had been asked to state if the government planned to implement a single tax agency by corporatising and merging Customs and LHDN. The Pasir Puteh MP also wanted to know if there are plans to coordinate the national taxation system under the National Single Window. Anwar said one of the latest initiatives was e-invoicing, which is led by LHDN, but under which transaction data will be shared with Customs. "Additionally, LHDN and Customs are also working together on enforcement activities related to cigarette smuggling," he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
MCMC removes 2,033 unauthorised product ads from January to August
JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed 2,033 advertisements promoting unauthorised products and services between January and 1 August this year. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching revealed the figures came from 2,283 complaints received during the same period. She noted the commission has been actively removing such advertisements since 2022. 'In 2022, MCMC received eight complaints and removed all related ads. In 2023, 439 complaints were received and 390 ads were removed. Meanwhile, in 2024, MCMC received 3,312 complaints and took down 1,643 unauthorised online ads,' Teo said. The deputy minister made these remarks during a press conference after launching the Johor-level MADANI MSME Digital Grant Festival 2025 in Permas Jaya. Teo explained her ministry maintains close cooperation with the Ministry of Health to combat misleading medical or health service advertisements. 'When we receive a complaint from MOH, MCMC will notify social media platform providers to take the advertisement down if it is unauthorised,' she said. She added that public complaints about potentially fake medicines undergo verification by health authorities before any removal action occurs. The enforcement efforts aim to protect consumers from misleading or harmful products circulating online. – Bernama
