The health minister says compounds for minors who smoke are provided for in the existing regulations, and that it cannot be registered as a criminal offence.

The three-man panel of judges says more time is needed to deliberate the issues raised in the appeal.

This comes as medical experts criticise some MPs for refusing to support the health ministry's 'tobacco generational endgame'.

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin warns MPs not to be swayed in the fight to ensure zero smoking for Malaysia's future generation.

While the highest percentage of smokers in the country is from the low-income bracket, questions remain as to how the government will implement and enforce the ban in rural areas beyond the cities.

The Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill, if implemented properly and effectively, will help save the lives of thousands of Malaysians each year.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin this is the first step to convincing the Cabinet and winning its support to enable him to table the bill in Parliament.

There are steps that need to be taken to complement the ban, as the main goal is still to reduce smoking rates and protect the future generations.

Several rounds of engagement including with the cigarette industry have been held to gather feedback from all quarters before the bill is finalised.

At what stage should the state intervene when it comes to the health of individuals?

He says this will be a 'generational end game' for smoking in the country.