Malaysia’s Health Ministry has stepped up its nationwide enforcement efforts against smoking and vaping activities, issuing more than 233,000 compounds and opening thousands of investigation papers under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed that between 1 October 2024 and 30 April 2026, a total of 34,903 enforcement operations were carried out across the country. During the period, officers inspected 683,704 premises in a large-scale effort to curb smoking-related offences.
The enforcement campaign resulted in 233,831 compound notices being issued for compoundable offences, while another 4,226 investigation papers were opened for more serious violations that cannot be settled through compounds. Authorities said the figures reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and reducing exposure to smoking products.
For cases brought before the courts, 398 are still undergoing prosecution proceedings. Meanwhile, 204 cases have already been concluded, with courts imposing a combined total of RM1.189 million in fines on offenders.
Act 852 came into force on 1 October 2024, with full implementation beginning on 1 October 2025. Enforcement activities are being carried out under the nationwide Operation Healthy Lungs (Ops Selamat PaPa) initiative, which targets the manufacturing, distribution and sale of all smoking-related products.
According to MOH, the operation places particular focus on preventing the growing spread of electronic cigarettes and vape products, especially among younger Malaysians. Authorities stressed that protecting future generations remains one of the key objectives behind the law.
In a related development, the ministry is also investigating complaints circulating on social media regarding the online advertising and sale of vape products believed to be in breach of Act 852. Following public reports, MOH reviewed 10 websites allegedly involved in such activities.
As a result, requests have been submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block four of the websites under Section 263(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Investigations involving six additional websites are still ongoing.
The ministry further disclosed that as of 30 April 2026, a total of 2,595 investigation papers had been opened for offences linked to online tobacco and vape promotions under Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Act 852.
MOH reiterated that it will not tolerate any violation of the law and urged members of the public to continue reporting suspected offences. Individuals can submit complaints through the Smoking Complaint WhatsApp hotline at 010-8608949, helping authorities strengthen enforcement efforts and keep illegal smoking-related activities in check.
