KUALA LUMPUR – Celebrity status or social media influence does not exempt anyone from the law, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, following a Magistrate’s Court conviction of comedian Shuib Sepahtu for promoting smoking products.
Dzulkefly said the ruling sets an important legal precedent under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852].
“This sends a clear message: the ban on advertising, promotion, or sponsorship of smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape, applies to everyone. Popularity does not give anyone a licence to bypass the law, especially when young people’s health is at risk,” he said.
Shuib, whose real name is Shahmira Muhamad, was yesterday fined RM10,000 for promoting a smoking product in a YouTube podcast broadcast on October 22, 2024.
Elaborating, Dzulkefly said that legal action is the “last resort”, but said the ministry would not hesitate to impose such measures if warnings are ignored.
“I urge all influencers and content creators to be part of the solution, rather than normalising smoking culture among youth.
“Together, we can build a healthier Malaysia,” he wrote on Facebook.– January 9, 2025