MOH reports RM394,700 in fines under Act 852, influencer Shuib penalised RM10,000 for promotion
PETALING JAYA: A nationwide crackdown under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) has resulted in 160,839 compounds and RM394,700 in fines, with one influencer among those penalised.
In a statement today, the Health Minister (MOH) said as of Nov 30, nearly 500,000 premises had been inspected nationwide.
“Enforcement operations issued 160,839 compounds for compoundable offences and opened 2,352 investigation papers for non-compoundable offences.
“Of the compounds issued, 67 involved minors buying smoking products, 137,568 were for smoking in prohibited areas, 4,886 involved minors smoking, and 18,318 involved building owners or occupiers,” it added.
Regarding court action, the minsitry said 58 cases have been concluded, resulting in fines totaling RM394,700.
“In the most recent case, the Putrajaya Magistrates’ Court fined influencer Shuib, real name Shamira bin Mohamad Shuib, RM10,000 for promoting smoking products on Dol’s Podcast via YouTube.
“The penalty carries a one-year jail term if the fine is not paid,” it said, adding that the offence was detected by the MOH on Oct 22, 2024.
MOH emphasised that enforcement and prosecution are measures of last resort and urged the public to comply with Act 852 to protect public health.
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] came into force on Oct 1, 2024, with full implementation beginning on Oct 1, 2025.
MOH is committed to enforcing Act 852 and has launched Operation Safe Lungs (Ops Selamat PaPa) to strengthen enforcement activities.
This operation primarily focuses on the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of all types of smoking products, with the aim of protecting the younger generation from the dangers of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, which are increasingly widespread.
