An Indonesian construction worker has become the first individual in Kedah to be charged at the Sessions Court for littering cigarette butts in a public space.
According to a report by Harian Metro, 39-year-old Jufri Zulkifli pleaded guilty to the charge and was handed a RM300 fine. Should he fail to pay, he faces a three-month jail sentence.
The accused was also ordered to undergo 6 hours of community service within 2 months, to be carried out at a rate of 1 hour per day.
He was charged under Section 77A(1) of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 and an order to do community service for a maximum of 12 hours.
Lack of smoking spaces?
The verdict left Malaysians divided as some called for more designated smoking areas with bins for cigarette butts, while others argued that cigarettes should be banned either in public spaces or entirely.
“Where does one throw cigarette butts if there are no designated spaces prepared?”
“Prepare designated smoking spaces first, before taking action. For example, in Singapore, smoking areas are prepared; if people do not follow the rules, then they are summoned.”
“The government should ban smoking in public spaces, in restaurants, at shopping mall areas, and only allow smoking cigarettes in one’s home.”
“Easy, just ban smoking cigarettes. That’s only fair. Even Ministers who smoke cigarettes should be summoned.”
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