Malaysia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 15, 2005.  

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in a list of specified types of indoor workplaces and public places. Although the list is comprehensive, some types of places are not included, namely: non-air conditioned shops, casinos, guest rooms of hotels, and designated smoking areas in airports. Smoking is prohibited on all public transport. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor premises of specified types of public places; in rest and recreation areas; public parks; observation towers, camp sites, and canopy bridges in state and national parks; and outdoor restaurants. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Virtually all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited, except for tobacco product display at specialty tobacco stores. However, due to the lack of definition of “tobacco promotion” in the law, some forms of tobacco promotion may not be covered under the ban. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: One of six combined picture and text health warnings must occupy 65 percent of the front and 65 percent of the back of unit packages and cartons of all smoked and smokeless tobacco products. The text of the warning is in Malay on the front panel and English on the back panel. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light”, “ultra light”, “mild”, “cool”, “extra”, “low tar”, “special”, “full flavor”, “premium”, “rich”, “famous”, “slim”, “Grade A”, “golden”, “pearl”, “edition” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Malaysia are well below these recommendations.