KUCHING: A total of 113 notices of offences under Section 47 of the Tobacco Products Control for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] have been issued in Sarawak from October 1, 2024, to January 25, 2025.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni asserted that 823 enforcement operations were conducted across the state during this period.
Out of 18,010 premises inspected, he said warnings were issued to 12,952 premises.
“We also issued 113 offence notices under Section 47, with total compounds amounting to RM27,750.
“Additionally, 505 items were seized, with a compound value of RM11,080,” he said during the Clean, Smoke-Free Premises (BeBAs) Walkabout Programme here today (Jan 24).
The Sibuti MP further explained that the recorded offences included 107 violations under Section 16(2) for selling unauthorised products, five violations under Section 17(1) for selling to minors, and several breaches of Section 15(1) for improper labelling of products.
“Starting April 1, 2025, we will strictly enforce these regulations.
“There will be no leniency; all parties must adhere to the rules,” he stressed.
On a national level, Lukanisman reported that as of January 23, 2025, a total of 11,752 offence notices had been issued, with inspections carried out at 119,555 premises.
He also stressed the need to equip Ministry of Health (MOH) enforcement officers in Sarawak with more body cameras to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts.
