RM12,750 in compound notices issued for smoking in public areas
MIRI: A total of 48 notices of smoking-related offences involving compounds totalling RM12,750 were issued to individuals and proprietors during a two-day enforcement operation in the city here recently.
The integrated enforcement operation on April 16 and 17 was conducted by Miri Division Health Office, together with 60 enforcement officers from the state’s 12 divisional health offices under the Health Ministry (MoH).
A total of 515 premises including Miri Airport, eateries, shopping centres, hospital areas, public toilets, government buildings and public transportation hubs were inspected during the operation.
Miri Division Health Office in a statement yesterday said the cumulative value of compounds in this operation totalled RM12,750 – the majority of which were for smoking in nondesignated zones in public areas.
“Apart from that, a total of 102 cartons of various cigarette brands were seized, with a cumulative market value of RM4,305.50,” it said.
The launching of the enforcement operation at the Pustaka Sarawak branch here on Tuesday was conducted by Miri Health officer Dr P. Raviwharmman who represented Sarawak Health deputy director (Public Health) Dr Rohani Mat Bah.
Also present was MoH Inspection and Legal Sector chief Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Salleh from Putrajaya.
Apart from that, a total of 102 cartons of various cigarette brands were seized, with a cumulative market value of RM4,305.50.
Miri Division Health Office
An interactive engagement session was also held to discuss the enforcement challenges in the field, human capacity building planning, increased quotas for post-basic training offered to environmental health officers serving in Sarawak, as well as initiatives to foster teamwork culture among MoH enforcement officers in Sarawak.
During the session, Mohamad Ridzuan presented certificates and plaques for the statelevel Best Public Health Law Enforcement Award 2023 to Miri Division Health Office.
Meanwhile, the Miri Division Health Office called upon the public, especially smokers, to be responsible and respect the rights of non-smoking individuals, pregnant women and children.
“For individuals who smoke and wish to receive assistance in quitting smoking, it is recommended to visit health clinics or hospitals to access smoking cessation services, treatment, and counselling sessions.
“For any complaints regarding the violation of Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 2004, especially in eateries or any designated no-smoking areas, the public can lodge their complaints through MoH’s Public Complaint Management System.
“Do provide complete information including details such as location, date, time, and images to facilitate investigation process and the dissemination of investigation results to the complainant,” it said.