Strictly no smoking now at public parks in Sibu — Dept
SIBU: The public parks here are now non- smoking areas, the gazettement of which took effect on June 1 this year.
According to state Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim, those found smoking at public parks here would face penalty.
Previously, the department carried out a three- month educational awareness programme to discourage people from lighting up cigarettes at public parks.
“The state Health Department (together with local authorities) will not station enforcement officers permanently at these public parks – the enforcement teams can carry out operations at any time.
“A RM250 compound will be imposed ( on offenders), and should they fail to settle the compound within the stipulated period of 30 days, they would be charged in court where they could face a fine of up to RM10,000 or no more than two years in jail,” she told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Dr Jamilah was asked if the state Health Department had begun any enforcement activity at the public parks here following their gazettement as non-smoking areas.
According to her, currently there are 76 parks gazetted as non- smoking areas across Sarawak.
Nevertheless, the list would be expanded upon any addition to the gazettement, she said.
In this regard, she warned every member of the public against smoking at these gazetted non- smoking areas.
“All smokers should respect other visitors who wish to make use of the public parks for recreational purposes. Public parks should be used for healthy activities such as jogging, picnics, playground time for children, yoga and aerobic exercises,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) has erected ‘ No Smoking’ signboards at all 25 community parks here.
In a recent statement, SMC deputy chairwoman Rogayah Jamain said the move was made in accordance with the gazetting of public parks as non- smoking areas.
The state Health Department (together with local authorities) will not station enforcement officers permanently at these public parks – the enforcement teams can carry out operations at any time. Dr Jamilah Hashim, Sarawak Health Department director