It’s time to cough up money
Errant eatery operators and smokers to be fined
KUALA LUMPUR: First-time offenders under the smoking ban, to be enforced in the new year, can have their compound reduced to RM150 if they pay within a month from the date of the issuance, says Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said for the second offence, there would be no reduction to the compound and a full payment of RM250 would be imposed, while those who commit a third and subsequent offences would be charged a higher compound of RM350.
“Under Regulation 12 of the Tobacco Control Regulation 2004 (amended) 2018, owners of eateries must ensure their premises are smoking-free and they are also prohibited from providing amenities for smokers such as ashtrays and shisha services.
“For enforcement purposes, beginning Jan 1, the owner of the premises can be compounded up to RM250 for the first and second offences while for the third and subsequent offences, they will be slapped with a higher compound of RM350,” he said in a statement.
Dr Noor Hisham said owners should ensure there were adequate “No Smoking” signs clearly displayed in their premises.
He said the cooperation and support of all parties, especially the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, were essential to ensure smooth implementation of the ban for the sake of health and well-being of Malaysians.
He also said that the Health Ministry had gazetted all food and beverage outlets in the country as “No Smoking” zones effective Jan 1, 2019, with an educational enforcement period in place for 12 months.
Smokers who wish to quit smoking can seek advice at mQuit smoking services available at all government health clinics and hospitals across the country or any privately funded mQuit smoking facility.
More information can also be obtained via the website http://jomquit.moh.gov.my or call 03-8883 4400. — Bernama