Over 21,000 eateries nationwide fail to display ‘No Smoking’ sign – Dr Lee
SIBU: A total of 71,121 premises were inspected as of Feb 24 this year during the nationwide educational enforcement of the smoking ban, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye disclosed yesterday.
Of the number, 21,089 premises were found to have failed to display the ‘ No Smoking’ sign, he told The Borneo Post via a WhatsApp message.
The actual implementation of the smoking ban will come into force after the six- month educational period.
According to Dr Lee, 88 per cent of eateries support or have complied with the ruling under the smoking ban.
He urged smokers and eatery operators to cooperate with the Ministry of Health ( MOH) towards ensuring the success of the smoking ban.
“We’re not criminalising smoking. The measures are to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke and also change behaviour of smokers so that smokers don’t smoke in public places,” he said.
The smoking ban at all eateries was enforced in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah on Jan 1 and Feb 1 respectively, while it took effect in Sarawak on March 1.
Those caught smoking at prohibited areas will be fined an amount not exceeding RM10,000 or jailed up to two years, while food premise operators found not displaying the ‘ No Smoking’ sign will be fined not exceeding RM3,000 or imprisoned for six months.
It is also an offence under the Act if the eateries provide ashtrays within the non-smoking zone, that is, within 10 feet of the eatery’s boundary, and the offender is punishable by a fine up to RM5,000 or jail of up to one year.