Entries by Matthew Ma

Gibraltar Proposes Smoke-Free Generation and Disposable Vape Ban

Gibraltar’s Minister for Health, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has published a Command Paper outlining draft legislation that aims to create a smoke-free generation and regulate the sale of nicotine products. The proposed law would prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, effectively coming into force in 2027 when this group […]

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Belgium Bans Display of Tobacco Products in Shops Starting April 1

As of April 1/2025, retailers in Belgium are no longer allowed to display tobacco products at points of sale, following an amendment to the consumer health protection law of January 24, 1977. The ban encompasses cigarettes, cigars, rolling papers, water pipe tobacco, and e-cigarettes, and prohibits the sale of these products in food stores larger […]

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Malaysia Implements Ban on Open Display of Tobacco Products

As of 1/4/2025, Malaysia has put into effect a prohibition on displaying smoking products at point of sale counters, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024. This move follows the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) […]

Hong Kong Plans Ban on Flavored Tobacco Except Menthol Starting 2026

Non-Menthol Flavors Targeted First in New Anti-Smoking Push Hong Kong authorities plan to ban the sale of flavored smoking products starting next year, likely in 2026, beginning with non-menthol varieties. Sources indicate the government will submit an amendment bill to the legislature soon to implement these changes. This measure is part of a phased approach […]

Is Vaping Haram in Islam? A Comprehensive Analysis

The rise of vaping as a popular alternative to traditional smoking has sparked a significant debate within the Muslim community regarding its permissibility under Islamic law. This article aims to provide a thorough examination of the various Islamic perspectives on vaping, exploring the arguments presented by scholars and authoritative Islamic organizations based on fundamental Islamic […]

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Malaysia’s Tobacco Display Ban to Affect Over 51,000 Shops

Starting April 1, 2025, more than 51,000 shops across Malaysia will be required to comply with a new ban on displaying tobacco products at sales counters. This move follows the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into effect on October 1, 2024, along with its […]

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Belgian Tobacconists Must Hide Cigarettes Starting April 1st

As part of Belgium’s ongoing efforts to curb tobacco consumption, tobacconists throughout the country will be required to hide cigarettes from public view starting Tuesday, April 1st, 2025. This measure, originally slated for implementation on January 1st, was approved nearly two years ago by the Council of Ministers as part of a comprehensive anti-smoking plan.