GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has called for action to be taken against Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who was caught vaping in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
N.V. Subbarow, who is CAP's anti-tobacco activist band and education officer, said it was shocking and shameful for Malaysians, especially those fighting against smoking, to learn that a senior minister was vaping inside the august house.
He noted that the Dewan Rakyat was declared a non-smoking area on October 2018. As such, he said those found smoking must be charged according to the law.
"In this case, Hishammuddin should be charged with violating the law. He cannot simply say sorry. He is a minister and a lawmaker. He should be a role model to others.
"He cannot escape from the hands of law. He should be fined or compounded. There should be no compromise.
"We urge the authorities to take action against him for violating the law in the august house," he said.
Earlier today, the Sembrong member of parliament apologised for vaping in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
He posted the apology on his Twitter account after being tagged in a tweet that carried a video showing him inserting a vape-like device under his face mask.
Hishammuddin sent an apology to the Dewan Rakyat via a tweet this afternoon.
Based on a Dewan Rakyat recording on Aug 3, Hishammuddin was seen vaping during the winding-up speech by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.