PUTRAJAYA (Oct 4): The Ministry of Health (MOH) is confident that the national prevalence of smoking can drop to less than 15% next year, from 19%, with the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) on Oct 1 this year.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the prevalence of smoking in Malaysia was 21.3% in 2019 and dropped to 19%, but there was significant increase in the trend of using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

“The prevalence of smoking has dropped from 21.3% to 19%, but the transition from smoking to vaping saw an increase from 3.2% in 2016  to 4.9% in 2019, and now, it is 5.8%,” he said.

He told the media this after a briefing on  Act 852  here on Friday, which was also attended by Health deputy director general (public health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli.

Dzulkefly said two new areas are listed as non-smoking areas. They are the launderette and  workplace buildings, effective from Jan 1 next year.

He said there are 28 non-smoking areas under Act 852, compared to only 23 under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2018 under the Food Act 1983.

Meanwhile, Dr Norhayati said a total of 2,548 warning notices had been issued since Act 852 came into force on Oct 1.

Three compounds were also issued for smoking at prohibited smoking areas, she added.

She said the Ministry of Health also inspected 2,930 premises and conducted 108 operations during routine enforcement of the smoking ban in eateries, restaurants and public places.

 Act 852 is comprehensive and aims to control the use of e-cigarettes, which was previously unregulated, especially among young people, and to strengthen control over other tobacco products, she added.

It was gazetted on Feb 2 this year, and came into force simultaneously with the Regulations and Orders under it on Oct 1.

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