KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 28 -- The Malaysia Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors' General Association (MSCSPGA) has called on the government to extend the deadline for complying with the upcoming tobacco display ban, citing financial and operational challenges faced by business owners.

The ban, set to take effect on 1 April 2025 under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, prohibits the display of tobacco products at points of sale.

MSCSPGA President Wong Teu Hoon said coffee shop operators are already dealing with rising business costs.

"Since February 2025, the minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700 has already added financial pressure on coffee shop operators and traditional retailers," Wong said.

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