Smoking ban: Several eateries warned

BINTULU: Several food premises here were issued with warning notices for not complying with the smoking ban across Sarawak, which took effect on March 1.

A spokesman for Bintulu Health Office said 12 enforcement teams were deployed to carry out inspections on selected localities here, as soon after the official launch of the ‘No Smoking’ rule on Friday.

“The inspection included ensuring that the ‘No Smoking’ signs are placed conspicuously at the premises, and to ensure that they (operators) remove ashtrays,” he said, adding that the majority of premises across the Parkcity area complied with the regulations.

“There are some premises that we have issued warning notices with, for not complying (with the rule) and we’ve requested them to do so.

“Our enforcement teams will be going to the ground every day to cover all food premises and coffee shops in Bintulu, until March 14,” the spokesman added.

A six-month educational period would be in effect until Aug 31, after which the actual enforcement would follow with the imposition of heavy penalties on both the smokers and the eatery operators or owners for non-compliance with the ban.

Those caught smoking at the prohibited areas would face a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, upon conviction; any operator of food premises found not displaying the ‘No Smoking’ sign would face a fine not exceeding RM3,000, or imprisonment for up to six months, upon conviction.

Eatery operators whose premises still display ashtrays, or those who allow customers to smoke at their premises, might be fined an amount of not more than RM5,000.

It is learnt that a ‘No Smoking’ sign comes in a standard 40-inch X 50-inch size and food premises must display at least one.