PETALING JAYA: The decision by the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court to convict a known personality for promoting vape has set an important legal precedent in enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852), says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the decision sends a clear and absolute message on banning advertising, promoting or sponsoring of tobacco products, which included e-cigarettes and vape.
“This law applies to everyone without exception, regardless of your status as a celebrity, influencer, or business owner.
“Popularity is not a license to break the law, especially when it involves risks to the younger generation,” he said in a post on his Facebook page.
“Legal action is a last resort, but we will not hesitate to use it if warnings are ignored.
“I call on all influencers and content creators, (to) be part of the solution, not the cause of the normalisation of smoking culture. Let us all build a healthier Malaysia,” he added.
The Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court had on Wednesday convicted comedian Shahmira Muhammad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, for the offence of promoting vaping, through a podcast programme two years ago.
Shahmira Shuib, who was charged under Section 9(1) of Act 852 in October 2024, was fined RM10,000.
