BANGI, Jan 14 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has stressed that it does not intend to withdraw the smoking ban in offices, which has been in effect since January 1.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said all relevant Acts and regulations, including Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), will continue to be enforced as stipulated.
“Of course not. (We will not withdraw the ban). All relevant acts and regulations will continue to be enforced.
“We have implemented education enforcement first. Starting April 1, several additional regulations will be implemented more strictly,” he told the press after attending the “Shariacare: Pioneering Health with Shariah Values” symposium today.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to queries on a media report that lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri, who had previously failed to challenge the ban, had again filed a judicial review of the government’s decision.
Commenting on the matter, he said the MOH is prepared to face Haniff's legal challenge.
"He has the right to take legal measures and judicial review. However, the legal process must be carried out according to the prescribed procedures," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the smoking ban in offices is part of the government's efforts to protect public health, and stressed that this regulation had been carefully planned to ensure a smoke-free work environment for the well-being of the people.
Effective January 1, 2025, 28 smoking ban areas 2025 have been gazetted as smoking ban zones.
Among them are laundromats and workplace buildings which are now included in the list of prohibited areas related to the enforcement of Act 852 on October 1.
— Bernama
