SHAH ALAM, June 9 — The Selangor Health Department (JKNS) has opened 54 investigation papers involving the online sale, advertising, and promotion of vape products since the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) came into force.
The cases involve offences under Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the Act, which prohibit the advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and sale of smoking and imitation-smoking products.
"Enforcement action is being carried out both on the ground and online amid concerns that vape advertisements and promotions remain easily accessible on social media and e-commerce platforms despite ongoing efforts.
"Monitoring activities are continuously conducted, and legal action is taken in accordance with established standard operating procedures," it said in a statement to Media Selangor.
Act 852 was enforced on October 1, 2024, while full implementation began on October 1, 2025.
JKNS acknowledged that online enforcement remains a challenge due to the constantly evolving modus operandi of e-commerce platforms in the digital era.
"The issue (of online vape advertising) is not being taken lightly and is instead considered a challenge to enforcement officers, as authorities work to keep pace with changing online sales and marketing tactics,” it said.
The department was responding to a joint statement issued on June 3 by 19 non-governmental organisations and 30 health professional associations, which questioned whether the large enforcement figures announced by the Health Ministry (MOH) adequately reflect action against online vape advertising and sales.
A day earlier, the MOH had said that 34,903 enforcement activities were carried out nationwide under Act 852 as of April 30, involving the inspection of 683,704 premises, the issuance of 233,831 compound notices, and the opening of 4,226 investigation papers for non-compoundable offences.
It added that 2,585 investigation papers had been opened for offences involving online advertising, promotion and sales of smoking products under Act 852, and that action had been taken against several websites through applications submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
However, the MOH did not provide a breakdown of how many of these cases were specifically related to vapes.
In Selangor, 3,519 enforcement operations were conducted statewide under Act 852 as of April, involving inspections of 51,652 premises.
JKNS said that the operations resulted in 32,469 compounds being issued for compoundable offences, including 25,574 compounds for smoking in designated no-smoking areas, while 578 investigation papers were opened for non-compoundable offences.
"A total of 2,612 cases are currently undergoing prosecution, while 112 cases have been concluded in court, resulting in fines amounting to RM381,050," it said.
Apart from enforcement activities, JKNS has conducted 41,397 advocacy programmes to increase public awareness and compliance with Act 852.
To strengthen enforcement efforts, it emphasised the need for cooperation from multiple agencies, particularly the MCMC, as well as e-commerce platform providers.
The department also called on the public to assist enforcement efforts by reporting suspected violations of the law through its Smoking Complaint WhatsApp hotline at 010-8608949.
"Individuals who receive or possess information regarding breaches of Act 852 should lodge official complaints so that strict action can be taken quickly against offenders,” JKNS said.
