Smoking ban: Action possible even during 6-month grace period

SIBU: Those who openly defy the ban on smoking at eateries can still be compounded or charged in court even though the first six months of the ban have been designated as an ‘educational’ period for smokers and eateries.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said stern action can still be taken against offenders as the period for education enforcement is merely as ‘administrative’ decision.

“If need be, enforcement officers can still compound or charge the recalcitrant offenders in court even though it is during ‘educational enforcement’.

“The educational enforcement is an administrative decision,” he said via WhatsApp recently, saying action can be taken against both smoker and premises owner.

The Borneo Post had forwarded to him an observation by a member of the public here, who had spotted a coffee shop patron lighting up despite the presence of a ‘No Smoking’ sign at the premises.

The operator of the said coffee shop also did not remind the patron that smoking was prohibited, noted the member of the public.

The smoking ban at all eateries was enforced in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah on Jan 1 and Feb 1 respectively, and in Sarawak on March 1, with the first six months designated as an educational period.

Those caught smoking at prohibited areas face being fined up to RM10,000 or jailed up to two years, while food premise operators found not displaying the ‘No Smoking’ sign face being fined up to RM3,000 or jailed for six months.

Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday, Sibu Coffee Shop & Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok believes most eateries in town have already put up ‘No Smoking’ signs.

He said the association had made about 800 signs for distribution to its 400-odd member.

“I believe all our members have put up the ‘No Smoking’ sign at their premises. For nonmembers, if they have yet to display this sign, please do so now,” he said.