Sibu coffee shop, restaurant owners called to abide with tobacco, vape product displays ban
Posted on 14 Mar 2025
Source of News: The Borneo Post (Peter Boon)
File photo of cigarettes being displayed at a cashier counter at a coffeeshop in Kuching. – The Borneo Post photo
SIBU: Sibu Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok has called on its some 300 members to strictly abide by the ban on displaying tobacco and vape products at eateries and retail stores starting April 1.
Additionally, he reminded them to ensure ‘No Smoking’ signs are displayed in their premises to inform customers not to light up.
“Even if our members are not selling any tobacco products in their coffeeshops, they are required to display this sign as well.
“I also want to remind all our members to display the sign that prohibits selling tobacco products to those below 18 years old,” Tong told The Borneo Post today when asked for his reaction on the ban.
Sarawak Health director Dr Veronica Lugah on Thursday said the State Health Department will begin enforcing a ban on the display of tobacco and vape products at eateries and retail stores starting April 1.
She said this is in line with the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024 (Act 852), which prohibits the point-of-sale display of smoking products, including vape products, at these premises.
According to The Star on March 12, several states, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Selangor, are set to enforce the ban on April 1 after notifying businesses in advance. Under the new regulation, tobacco and vape products must be stored out of sight in closed cabinets.
Meanwhile, when contacted today, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said this move by the Sarawak Health Department aligns with broader efforts to reduce public exposure to tobacco and vape products, especially in places where people eat and shop.
“The idea is to discourage impulse buying and limit the visibility of these products, particularly to younger audiences.
“From a public health perspective, it makes sense—many studies show that reducing the visibility of tobacco and vape products helps lower smoking initiation rates,” said Izkandar.
However, from a business standpoint, small retailers and vape shop owners might feel the impact, especially if they rely on these sales, he noted.
“It’ll be interesting to see how enforcement plays out and whether there will be any pushback from businesses or consumers.
“Also, with vaping already widespread, some might argue that more focus should be placed on education and harm reduction rather than just restricting displays.”
SarawakID
