KUALA TERENGGANU: The Health Ministry (MoH) should implement an electronic notice system for offering compounds before enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Peninsular Health Inspectors Union (KIKSM) president Mohd Ruhaizie Riyadzi told Harian Metro that issuing written summons notices for various offences under the act is no longer appropriate.
The act is expected to take effect early October.
He said this is because all other enforcement agencies have already adopted electronic methods for issuing compound fine offers and summons notices.
"We also suggest that MoH improve its image, including updating the uniforms of Environmental Health officers and Assistant Environmental Health officers responsible for enforcing the act.
"Environmental Health officers and Assistant Environmental Health officers should wear uniforms with name tags, job titles and vests. They are enforcement officers responsible for implementing the act."
Ruhaizie said this yesterday after the Ukhwah Ride event involving 150 high-powered motorcyclists to distributed pamphlets on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) at Pasar Payang Satu, Kuala Terengganu.
Also present were Terengganu Health Department assistant director (inspectorate and legal unit) Mohd Rosli Abd Wahab and Pasar Payang and State Heritage Bazaar Traders Association chairman Ahmad Shukri Abdullah.
Ruhaizie said the proposal to set up an electronic notice system for compounds was based on feedback received from the public during the Ukhwah Ride programme in Kedah, Penang, Perlis, Pahang and Terengganu.
He said KIKSM is developing strategies to strengthen the enforcement of the act by submitting recommendations and suggestions to the MoH.
Additionally, he said these recommendations can enhance the enforcement of the act and to make enforcement efficient and effective. This will ensure the goal of improving the nation's overall health standards is achieved, he said.
"For the record smokers, including those using electronic cigarettes, will face harsher penalties if caught smoking in prohibited areas or public places, starting next month
"This includes fines of up to RM20,000 and imprisonment of up to one year, while manufacturing companies may face fines from RM20,000 to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to two years," he said.
Last Wednesday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which includes control on vape products, will come into force on Oct 1.
He pointed out at that time that Act 852 would be enforced in less than week's time. The law, which was gazetted in February and aimed at banning the sale and purchase of tobacco products, smoking materials and tobacco substitutes including vape and any electronic smoking devices to minors, among others.
Act 852 also covers regulations on smoking and tobacco products registration, sale, packaging, labelling, and smoking ban at public places.
These rules and provisions that will be enforced include electronic cigarettes, he said.