FROM Jan 1 next year, laundromats and workplace buildings in both government and private sectors will be designated as non-smoking areas, announced Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ministry’s headquarters on Friday (Oct 4), he said these locations have been added under the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on Oct 1.
This brings the total number of non-smoking areas to 28.
Other areas included in the ban are internet cafés, national service training centres, observation towers, campsites, canopy walkways and areas within five meters of entrances and exits to canopy walkways in national and state parks.
The ban also extends to school buses and public transportation vehicles.
“I am thankful that laundromats, where mothers and families often bring their children, are now recognised as non-smoking public spaces,” he remarked.
The Act will be enforced in two phases: immediate enforcement and education-based enforcement.
Immediate enforcement, which began on Tuesday (Oct 1), targets the sale of smoking products in the form of games that attract children and teenagers, aiming to limit their availability, especially to minors.
The Act also bans the sale of smoking products in educational institutions, marketplaces, online platforms, and vending machines.
All forms of advertisements, promotions and sponsorships targeting children and youth for smoking products are also prohibited with immediate effect. – Oct 4, 2024
