MOH makes reporting illegal smoking on MySejahtera easy, maybe too easy

The Ministry of Health (KKM) has officially rolled out MyLapor, a digital complaint feature that allows the public to report smoking and vaping violations across all 28 gazetted non-smoking zones in Malaysia.

Built to enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), this feature is currently integrated into the MySejahtera application and is accessible via a web portal.

Where have we seen this before?

Previously, reporting platforms relied on WhatsApp hotlines or platforms like JomLapor. Like its predecessors, MyLapor also has a low barrier to lodging a complaint.

Crucially, the system does not require you to verify your phone number or name on the website, ensuring complete anonymity. Additionally, you are no longer required to attach a photo of the offence to submit a report.

This friction-free process allows members of the public to flag violations discreetly without risking confrontation by trying to capture photographs of offenders.

MyLapor promises a streamlined workflow and direct district action

The four-step submission interface is available in both English and Bahasa Melayu. You can select specific violation categories including smoking in eateries or non-smoking zones, underage smoking, or general non-compliance, and specify the location.

Submissions bypass central administrative delays and are routed directly to the relevant District Health Office (PKD). This direct link enables local enforcement teams to track violation hotspots and coordinate targeted spot-checks.

When you lodge reports through the MySejahtera app, you can also monitor real-time status updates on your submissions.

It also covers all designated non-smoking premises

MyLapor covers all designated non-smoking premises under Act 852. This includes air-conditioned and open-air eateries, shopping centres, petrol stations, healthcare facilities, government buildings, schools, public transport terminals, public parks, and highway Rest and Recreation (R&R) areas.

KKM has urged premises owners and business operators to support the initiative by displaying official MyLapor QR codes in designated non-smoking areas, allowing patrons to quickly scan and report offences on the spot.

But, things could get a little messy

While removing friction protects complainant anonymity, the web version for MyLapor drops two standard safeguards: identity verification (no full name, phone number, or MyKad required) and mandatory photographic evidence.

As shown in the picture above, we keyed in a random name and phone number with no image as proof of illegal smoking. Yet, the system accepted it and didn’t flag our submission for misinformation.

Because reports bypass central vetting and route straight to local District Health Offices, this lack of verification opens the door to false or malicious complaints. It also leaves business owners, particularly eatery operators, vulnerable.

Under Act 852, premise owners are legally liable for smoking violations on their premises, meaning unsubstantiated claims could trigger disruptive spot-checks, wasted enforcement resources, and potential penalties for compliant.

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