KUALA LUMPUR: From Jan 1 onwards, it will prove costly for patrons to light up at eateries nationwide.
They will be slapped with a RM250 compound for the first and second offences, and see the amount increased to RM350 for a third offence.
Food and beverage outlets which allow patrons to light up will also be slapped with the same compound amount, said Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said the compounds will be imposed from Wednesday onwards, as a crackdown on smoking at eateries nationwide takes effect.
The Health Ministry had gazetted all food and beverage outlets in Malaysia as smoke-free areas from Jan 1, 2019 – with an educational enforcement period in place for 12 months.
The “grace period” in 2019 saw smokers having to be at least 3 metres away from food and beverage establishments before they could light up.
The enforcement period will now give way to a full enforcement of the ban.
Dr Noor Hisham said the extension of smoking ban to eateries was done under Regulation 11 (1) (d) of the Tobacco Control Regulation (PPKHT) Regulations 2004 (amended) 2018.
“For full enforcement purposes beginning Jan 1, 2020, those found smoking in prohibited areas, including all eateries, would be charged a compound of RM250.
“Those who commit the offence (for the first time) can have their compounds reduced to RM150 if payment is made at any District Health Office within one month from the date the compound was issued.
“For the second offence, there is no reduction to the compound and a full payment of RM250 will be charged.
“A higher compound of RM350 will be charged on those who commit the offence for the third time and so on,” said Dr Noor Hisham in a statement.
He added that under Regulation 12 of PPKHT 2004, eatery owners must also ensure that their premises are completely smoke-free. They are also forbidden from providing amenities for smokers to take a puff, including ashtrays or shisha services.
Proprietors must also ensure that the “no smoking” sign is displayed prominently and clearly in an area which is visible to all, Dr Noor Hisham said.
“For full enforcement purposes, from Jan 1 onwards, premises owners could be compounded up to RM250 for the first and second offences. For the third offence, they could be slapped with a RM350 compound,” he added.
Dr Noor Hisham said that as such, support and cooperation from all quarters, especially the Housing and Local Government Ministry, is essential in ensuring that the full implementation of PPKHT 2004 goes smoothly.
Smokers who wish to quit their nasty habit are welcome to seek advice on mQuit smoking services provided at all government health clinics and hospitals nationwide, or at any private facility accredited with mQuit services.
They can also get information and register at http://jomquit.moh.gov.my or call 03-8883 4400.
There are currently 23 types of establishments designated as smoke-free under the PPKHT (Amendment) Regulations 2017.
They include entertainment centres, theatres, elevators, public toilets, air-conditioned eateries, public vehicles, airports, government premises and any area used for the purpose of assembly.