Malaysia’s Health Ministry launched "Ops Selamat PaPa" to target the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, aiming to protect younger generations from harm [1]. The ministry urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to block four websites suspected of violating the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [1, 2, 3]. Investigations are ongoing for six additional websites suspected of similar violations [1, 2, 3].

Since the Act came into force on October 1, 2024, with full enforcement beginning October 1, 2025, authorities have conducted 34,903 enforcement operations nationwide as of April 30, 2026. These included inspections at 683,704 premises [1, 2, 3]. The operations resulted in 233,831 compound notices issued for compoundable offences and 4,226 investigation papers opened for non-compoundable offences under Sections 7 to 10 of the Act [1, 2, 3].

Currently, 398 court cases are ongoing while 204 cases have been settled with fines totaling about RM1.19 million. The ministry stressed its firm stance against violators, stating, "We take the complaints raised on social media over online advertising and sales of vape products suspected of violating the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) seriously." They added, "We constantly monitor online advertising and promotion of tobacco products including the sale of vapes. We wish to stress that there will no compromise for those who violate laws." [1]

Non-governmental organization Al-Sirath Malaysia warned on May 30 about the rise of "mushroom-flavored" e-cigarettes reportedly containing harmful psychoactive substances. The NGO said such products are easily accessible even to children as young as 10 and called for stronger enforcement to protect future generations, also citing a recent incident where a teenage girl harmed herself after using these products [3].

The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 remains the legal basis for enforcement, with authorities continuing to investigate violations online and offline to curb tobacco product abuse among youth [2, 3]. The ministry’s ongoing actions demonstrate stringent application of the law across Malaysia as it pursues offenders in courts and online platforms [1, 2, 3].