THE Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 was today re-tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. The updated bill, among others, drops the provisions relating to the ban on the sale of tobacco products and cigarettes, as well as the smoking prohibition on people born on January 1, 2007 onwards.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, when tabling the bill, said the second reading of the bill is set for tomorrow.

Earlier, she withdrew the Control on Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for the second reading as stated in item no. 4 of today’s Order Paper.

The bill was withdrawn after it was tabled for first reading the first time on June 12 before being referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health.

Based on the previous bill, clause 13 states that no person can sell and buy any tobacco products or provide any service for smoking to any person born on January 1, 2007 onwards.

According to the Control on Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, which was presented today, clauses 13(1) and 13(3) state the prohibition to sell and buy tobacco products, smoking materials or tobacco substitute products or provide any service for smoking to minors.

Clause 17(1) also states the prohibition of smoking, chewing and using tobacco products for those under the age of 18.

“Any person who violates subsection (1) commits an offence and may, upon conviction, be fined not more than RM500 or be ordered to perform community service in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code or the Child Act 2001,” states the bill. – Bernama, November 28, 2023.