KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrities, influencers, and business owners are not exempt from laws prohibiting the advertising, promotion, or sponsorship of tobacco products, including vapes, a senior minister said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said celebrity status or popularity is not a ‘ticket’ to bypass the law, as violations pose risks to young people.
He added that legal action against those involved is a last resort if warnings are ignored.
“All influencers and digital content creators need to play a role as part of the solution (in addressing smoking and vaping issues), rather than contributing to the normalisation of smoking culture in society,” he said in a Facebook post today.
He made the remarks in response to the Putrajaya magistrate’s court decision convicting comedian and entrepreneur Shuib Sepahtu, who was fined RM10,000 for promoting tobacco products on social media.
Berita Harian reported yesterday that Shuib was fined for promoting electronic cigarette (vape) products on his podcast channel, Dol’s Podcast, two years ago.
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