No cigarettes on open display in certain states from April 1

CIGARETTES will no longer be allowed to be on open display in certain states from April 1.

Premises must ensure that tobacco products are concealed from public view using appropriate coverings, as required under the Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024,

Under the Act, point-of-sale display of smoking products at eateries and retail stores is prohibited.

The Act, enforced on Oct 1, 2024, covers regulations on registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and prohibition of smoking in public places.

The Ministry of Health had announced in October last year that the proposed measure is set to take effect on April 1, 2025.

The Act also includes a display ban on all tobacco and vape products in retail outlets.

So far, retailers in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Selangor are ready to enforce the ban effective April 1 after having been informed earlier.

The new tobacco and vape sales regulation also prohibits the sale of tobacco products, smoking substances, or substitutes online or through vending machines.

All vendors of tobacco and vaping products must now display prominent signs indicating that sales are prohibited to individuals under eighteen.

The Act was introduced to bring significant benefits to public health and environmental sustainability.

It aims to curb smoking habits among the public and prevent the sale of smoking products to minors through law enforcement and continuous public education initiatives. - March 13, 2025