Malaysia issued 98,000 fines in the first nine months of this year to punish smoking in no-smoking areas

Malaysia’s Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, announced on October 19 that the Ministry has issued a staggering 98,000 fines for smoking in prohibited areas in the first nine months of this year, amounting to a total of 24.5 million Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 5.7 million USD).

According to reports from Bernama, Khairy highlighted that the number of fines and the total penalties already exceed those for the entire previous year.

The minister also revealed that, starting October 11, Malaysia has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing the sale, purchase, and use of various tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, with a particular focus on minors.

“This is the first time Malaysia has undertaken such a large-scale, cross-departmental action,” he stated, noting that in addition to the Health Ministry, the Ministries of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Customs, and the police will all be involved in this effort.

In recent years, the Malaysian government has been dedicated to reducing smoking rates in the country, implementing a series of relevant policies.