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Teachers

Malaysia Cracks Down on Teachers Using Vapes in Schools, Faces Fines and Jail Time

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has emphasized the importance of maintaining a smoke-free environment in schools, warning teachers that violating this rule can result in severe consequences. The Malaysian Teacher Standard (SGM) prohibits smoking and vaping on school grounds, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) is revising regulations to explicitly ban these substances. The move comes as part of the government's effort to curb vape use among students and enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Teachers caught smoking or using electronic cigarettes (vapes) on school grounds face fines of up to RM10,000 or a maximum two-year jail term.
  • The Ministry of Education (MOE) is revising the Education (School Discipline) Regulations to explicitly ban cigarettes, electronic devices, and vape liquids in schools.
  • The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which took effect on October 1 last year, prohibits sales of vape products to those under 18 and targets premises selling vape within 40 meters of school grounds.
  • Fadhlina Sidek urges parents, guardians, local councils, and the community to monitor sales and purchases by students and watch for behavioral changes that could indicate addiction.
  • The MOE continues to enforce earlier circulars that ban vaping in schools and declare them smoke-free zones.
  • The Malaysian Teacher Standard (SGM) prohibits smoking and vaping on school grounds.
  • The MOE takes the issue seriously, with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stating that it "tarnishes the image of the teaching profession, but also sets a negative example for students."

Statistics:

  • Up to RM10,000 in fines for teachers caught smoking or using electronic cigarettes (vapes) on school grounds.
  • Up to a two-year jail term for repeated offenders.
  • 40 meters, the distance at which vape premises cannot be located near school grounds according to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
  • October 1, the date when the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 took effect.

Sources:

  • Malay Mail
  • Parliament's official website
  • Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024

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