KUALA LUMPUR: The compounds issued against errant smokers at eateries has reached over half a million ringgit in five days since the ban was enforced Jan 1.
In a statement, Health Ministry (MOH) director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 29,903 premises had been inspected up to Jan 5.
He said a total of 2,312 notices were issued with compounds amounting to RM554,400.
“Out of the 2,312 notices, 1,702 notices were issued under Regulation 11 (1) (d) of the Tobacco Control Regulation (PPKHT) Regulations 2004 (amended) 2018 for smoking at eateries, 400 notices under Regulation (12) (1) (a) for not displaying no-smoking signs at the premises and 92 notices under Regulation (12) (1) (b) for providing amenities that enable smoking.”
Dr Noor Hisham said MOH also issued 118 notices under Regulation 13 (1) for the prohibition of smoking and related activities to those aged 18 and below.
He said throughout the period, the number of notices issued by the enforcement officers was on a reducing trend.
On the first day 708 notices were issued; 393 on Jan 2 and 366 on Jan 3. However, it picked up again on with 404 notices on Jan 4 and 441 on Jan 5.
“In summary, the five days of enforcement showed a decreasing trend on the issuance of notices. However, MOH still received complaints of 1,039 cases of smoking at eateries via the 010-8608949 hotline number since enforcement came in full force.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the public for cooperating with us and also for the premises' owners for complying with the rules,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham said MOH would also like to reiterate that the smoking ban was not meant to punish smokers but rather it was a preventive measure against complications from smoking to non-smokers.
This will also safeguard the public from the detrimental effects of second-hand smoke.
“MOH welcomes those who are keen to give up this habit,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham said the public could register with the mQuit stop smoking service via its website or call 03-88834400.