THE Malaysia Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association (MSCSPGA) has urged the government to provide more time for business owners to transition and comply with tobacco display ban under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Its president Wong Teu Hoon justified that cost of doing business has been increasing and this has created additional burden for businesses.
“Since February 2025, the minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700 has already added financial pressure on coffee shop operators and traditional retailers,” he stated in a media release.
“Rent prices continue to climb, utility bills have increased and transportation cost remains volatile depending on fuel prices.”
Added Wong: “On top of that, the cost of raw materials, including essential food and beverage supplies, has also surged, thus further tightening margins for coffeeshop owners. Many are struggling just to stay afloat in getting the business going.”
The MSCSPGA which was established in 1947 has over 45 affiliates and 20,000 members throughout Malaysia and Singapore. The primary role of the association is to protect the rights and businesses of its members.
Elaborating further, Wong contended that the April 1 timeline by the Health Ministry (MOH) to implement the tobacco display ban has added further strain to coffeeshop operators as they will have to incur additional cost to make adjustments to comply with the requirements.
“Business operators will need to make modifications to existing product shelves and additional storage solutions to ensure the products are well kept and not visible to customers,” he explained.
“In addition, there will be operational adjustments including training staff and workers on new requirements to ensure proper display of proper signage at point of sale. All these require time and cost.
“We hope the government can consider our plea. We’re not avoiding the compliance but simply ask the government to consider the current burden of business operators by providing a more reasonable time for us to transition to and comply with the new requirements.” – March 1, 2025
Main image credit: Malay Mail
