Smoking ban at eateries: 259 caught in Sarawak
KUCHING: A total 259 people in Sarawak including 44 foreigners were issued with compounds for smoking at eateries in the first two weeks since the enforcement of the nationwide ban on Jan 1.
State Health Department director Dr Chin Zhin Hing said the offenders were issued compounds of RM250 under Regulation 11(1)(d) of the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
He also revealed that enforcement carried out by the department also saw 15 compounds issued to underage smokers under Regulation 13(1).
A total of 62 compounds were also issued to proprietors of premises for violating Regulation 12(1)(a), and 15 compounds for violating Regulation 12(1)(b), he added.
Regulation 12(1)(a) is for not displaying the ‘No Smoking’ sign while Regulation 12(1)(b) is for allowing smokers to smoke at the eatery.
“Until Jan 14, enforcement was carried out at 9,082 eatery premises throughout Sarawak. A total 347 compounds were issued, worth RM83,750,” he said in a statement.
Dr Chin reminded smokers to observe the smoking ban at eateries, and also called on proprietors of eateries to ensure their premises clearly display ‘No Smoking’ signs.
He said proprietors must also not provide ashtrays, shisha (water-based smoking apparatus) or any items that encourage smoking.
Smokers can se le their compounds at the nearest divisional or district health office. Se lement within a month of the issue date will see the compound reduced to RM150. There would not be any reduction in fine for second-time offenders, while those caught for the third time or more will have to pay an increased fine of RM350.
Offenders who refuse to pay up may face a fine of up to RM10,000 or jail term of up to two years.
For eatery proprietors who violate Regulation 12(1)(a) and Regulation 12(1)(b), they must pay a fine of RM250 for the first and second offences each.
The fine will be increased to RM350 for each offence if they are caught for the third time or more.
“Based on the number of compounds issued, there are still many smokers and proprietors of eateries who do not abide by this smoking ban regulation, although the numbers are now declining compared to the first three days of our enforcement.
“Therefore, we at Sarawak State Health Department would like to appeal for cooperation from everyone to adhere to this regulation so that we can ensure be er health for the community at large,” said Dr Chin, who took over from Dr Jamilah Hashim as state health director on Jan 7 following the la er’s retirement.
Dr Chin also said the Health Department provides mQuit services to help smokers quit their habit, adding the service is now offered at all government clinics and hospitals statewide as well as at private medical facilities with mQuit accreditation.
More information on mQuit can be obtained from h p:// jomquit.moh.gov.my or by calling 03-88834400.