KKM To Tighten Restrictions Towards Smoking In Public Areas To Protect Non-Smokers

Does it tick you off when you’re eating and someone at the nearby table is smoking?

In a statement by the Ministry of Health on Twitter, they have announced that they will be tightening the restrictions against smokers. The statement mentions that the ministry will always try to protect non-smokers from dangerous smoke and smoke vapours.

During the pandemic, dine-in was not allowed, hence there were fewer people smoking there. However, under the National Recovery Plan, those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to dine in which led to an increase of people in public places.

From January to 24 October 2021, 3,419 notices have been issued nationwide. The top five states with the highest amount of notices are:

• Terengganu (652 notices)
• Pahang (601 notices)
• Sarawak (305 notices)
• Perak (356 notices)
• WP Kuala Lumpur (303 notices)

On 23 October in Kuala Lumpur, about 20 notices were issued under Section 32B of the Enforcement Regulations of Tobacco Control 2004 by the authorities. 15 of those were issued to those who smoked in restaurants while the rest were issued to premise owners who did not display the “no smoking” sign or did not enforce no smoking in their premises. 41 notices were issued to those who were smoking in shopping complexes.

The ministry has made it clear that they are not seeking to punish smokers.

“The ministry would like to emphasise that the aim is not to punish smokers but rather to avoid complications in smokers and passie smokers due to the smoking habit.”

Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin added: “I urge the members of the public to abide by the no-smoking rules in public not only for mutual comfort but more importantly, the health and wellbeing of everyone.”

If you would like to seek help on how to stop smoking, you can access the ministry’s website here.

Also read: MOH Will Be Increasing Enforcement At Food Premises To Ensure Smoking Ban Is Upheld