Kuching, MalaysiaSmoking policy at Kuching, Kuching International Airport (KIA)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking inside the terminal or in non-designated areas is a violation under Malaysia's Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and can result in fines. Vaping is subject to the same restrictions as smoking under Act 852. The previously operating indoor smoking room at KIA was closed by Health Ministry enforcement order for operating illegally. Duty-free tobacco allowance: up to 200 cigarettes or 225 grams of tobacco. All tobacco products must be declared at customs. Exceeding the limit incurs import duties under the Customs Duties Order 2022 and Sales Tax Order 2018. Counterfeit or unmarked tobacco products are strictly prohibited.
Kuching International Airport (KIA) has very limited smoking options, and the only confirmed places to smoke are designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings, before security. Any indoor smoking facility that previously existed airside has been closed following a Health Ministry enforcement action.
Before Security
Smoking is permitted only at designated outdoor zones outside the terminal. These are the standard "Zon Merokok" (Smoking Zone) spots found at Malaysian airports, typically positioned near the terminal entrances or curbside areas. No specific gate numbers or precise locations are documented in available sources, so your best approach is to look for green "Designated Smoking Area" signage as you approach or exit the building, or ask airport staff on arrival.
Outdoor designated zones outside the main terminal building (exact positions not confirmed in available sources)
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal building, including check-in halls, waiting areas, and all indoor spaces
After Security
There are no airside smoking facilities at Kuching International Airport. A smoking room previously operated inside the terminal past security, but the Malaysian Health Ministry ordered it closed along with similar rooms at seven other airports in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. The closure order came from Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman. Kuching was explicitly named alongside Kota Kinabalu International, Bintulu, Sibu, Miri, Labuan, and Sandakan airports in that enforcement action.
Under Malaysia's Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into full effect on October 1, 2024, airports are classified as non-smoking zones. The gazette listing of permitted airport smoking exceptions covers only specific locations at KLIA Terminal 1, KLIA Terminal 2, Penang International, and Kota Kinabalu International. Kuching International Airport is not included in that list of exceptions, meaning no airside smoking is legally permitted.
Vaping Rules
Vaping is covered by the same Act 852 restrictions as smoking. The law bans both smoking and vaping in the 28 designated non-smoking zones, which include airports. Do not vape anywhere inside the terminal or in non-designated outdoor areas.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through KIA and need to smoke, you would need to exit the secure zone, use an outdoor designated area landside, and then re-clear security. There is no confirmed information on whether re-entry is straightforward or time-consuming at this airport, so factor in extra time if you plan to do this.
Bottom Line
Smoke before you enter the terminal or after you collect your bags on arrival. Once you are past security at KIA, there is nowhere to smoke.
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