Saw someone smoking or vaping at eateries & other designated non-smoking areas? Here's how to report them to MOH
Since the start of 2025, a new Order under the Control of Smoking Products For Public Health Act 2024 has been in place in Malaysia, which enforces several new locations as designated non-smoking areas nationwide. Aptly named the Control of Smoking Products For Public Health (Declaration of Non-Smoking Area or Place) Order 2024, the Order is enforced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad via the powers prescribed by Subsection 16(1) of the parent Act.
In total, 28 designated non-smoking areas were prescribed by the Order, which notably include workplaces, laundrettes and pubs.
Besides that, there are several changes enforced by the Order’s parent Act, which include a punishment of a fine of up to RM5,000 for anyone convicted of the offence of smoking or vaping in the aforementioned designated non-smoking areas. This is governed under Section 16 of the Control of Smoking Products For Public Health Act 2024 and replaces the previous punishment of a maximum fine of RM10,000 or maximum two years in prison.
Meanwhile, Section 18(1) of the Act prescribes that the owner or occupant of a non-smoking area, such as a workplace or laundrette, could also be fined up to RM5,000 if they:
Fail to display clear signage indicating that smoking is prohibited
Provide smoking facilities or equipment
Fail to take reasonable steps to prevent smoking within their premises
Of course, designated non-smoking areas are nothing new in Malaysia, as they’ve been in place since 2004 via the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004. Notably, in 2018, the smoking ban was expanded to all eateries, even open-air ones.
How to report those who smoke in designated non-smoking areas to MOH
Unfortunately, despite the laws and regulations already in place, individuals smoking and vaping in designated non-smoking areas are still commonplace in Malaysia.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has implemented several initiatives to deter smoking in designated non-smoking areas, including allowing the public to lodge a report on offenders directly online.
Hence, if you saw someone smoking or vaping at an eatery, laundromat or any other designated non-smoking area, you can lodge a report to MOH by following these steps:
1. Get the name and address of the designated non-smoking area you’re in
2. Snap a discreet photo of the person smoking on the premises. You can also report places that don’t have a ‘No Smoking’ sign displayed
3. Make sure to note the time and date of the photo.
4. Report your information to MOH via WhatsApp at 010-8608949 or the operations room at 03-88924552 (office hours only)
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