12/13/2019 Smoking ban starts today | The Star Online

Smoking ban starts today

NATION

Tuesday, 01 Jan 2019 12:00 AM MYT

By WANI MUTHIAH, MUGUNTAN VANAR, MANJIT KAUR, ONG HAN SEAN, R. SEKARAN, LO TERN CHERN
INTAN AMALINA MOHD ALI, FATIMAH ZAINAL, CLARISSA CHUNG, VENESA DEVI, WONG ZHI YONG,
JESSIE GAN ZE XIN and YEOH CHENG JIN

PETALING JAYA: It’s all systems go for the no-smoking ruling at all eateries and restaurants starting
today.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulke y Ahmad said enforcement of cers would focus more on
educating the public for now.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/01/smoking­ban­starts­today 1/4
12/13/2019 Smoking ban starts today | The Star Online

“These policies will take time to implement so we want to step up awareness rst,” he said.

He reiterated that for the rst six months, Health Ministry of cers would not issue nes but take note
of repeat offenders.

“The state Health Departments will also be working with local councils to enforce the smoking ban,” he
said.

He also told eatery owners to advise those smoking in their premises to refrain from doing so.

“There has been a lot of attention on the campaign, and the response from the public has been
overwhelming,” he said.

Despite the detractors, most people were supportive of the ban as smoking would affect vulnerable
groups such as young children and pregnant women, he said.

Dr Dzulke y’s deputy, Dr Lee Boon Chye, said the ministry’s

5,008 health of cers and assistant health of cers would
start to make their rounds.

“They will operate according to their schedules. We will

maximise our rounds starting Tuesday and the of cers will
be checking for compliance.

“However, we will issue compounds only to recalcitrant

offenders. For the rst six months, the emphasis will be on
advising the public,” he said yesterday.

To keep the momentum going throughout the year, the

Deputy Health Minister said the most important thing
would be to keep the enforcement and awareness campaign
consistent.

Raising awareness: People walking pass
‘Smoke-free Kuala Lumpur’ banners along a
walkway in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
conditioned or not,” he said.
He noted that although the ban was to take effect only from
today, the ministry has seen a good response from the
public.
“In fact, if you go to any restaurants now, there are hardly
anyone smoking inside, whether the outlet is air-

Social media campaigns to spread awareness of the smoking ban would continue, said Dr Lee.

“On top of these, we will also go to the ground to drive home the message,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/01/smoking­ban­starts­today 2/4
12/13/2019 Smoking ban starts today | The Star Online

In October, the ministry announced that smoking in all restaurants, coffeeshops and hawker centres –
even open-air eateries – nationwide would be banned starting 2019.

Those caught smoking in prohibited areas will be ned up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail while
eateries found to have allowed customers to light up will be slapped with a maximum ne of RM2,500.

Smokers are, however, permitted to light up 3m away from the establishments.

Besides tobacco products, vape and shisha with nicotine are also included in the ban.

Eatery operators are required to display prominently at least a 40cm x 50cm “no-smoking” poster at
their premises.

Facilities for smokers such as smoking rooms and ashtrays are not allowed.

The public can lodge complaints about offenders directly to the ministry via its hotline 03-8892 4530.

On another note, Dr Lee’s wish for the new year is that his ministry would be able to improve its services
to the people.

“We also hope that the rakyat will give us time to deliver our promises,” he said.

Related stories:

Sabah defers ban pending a decision by state Cabinet

No-smoking rule will be successfully implemented, says Selangor govt

‘Rights of smokers should also be considered’

Smoking ban blowing rings of confusion

Kuantan eatery owners pledge to respect smoking ban

TAGS / KEYWORDS:

Health , Smoking Ban , Health Ministry

   

Copyright © 1995-2019 Star Media Group Berhad (10894D)

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/01/smoking­ban­starts­today 3/4
12/13/2019 Smoking ban starts today | The Star Online

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/01/smoking­ban­starts­today 4/4