Photos: Strict Enforcement of Smoking Ban Reported Today, Smokers Greeted with Saman!

If these viral pictures are really from today, then the health ministry is really serious with the smoking ban in all open-air eateries after 1 year of grace period. Hopefully, this strict enforcement is long-term instead of just for this day!

Today marks the first of January 2020, the start of a new decade! Even though there is not a single flying car to be seen today, one sighting that most Malaysians will surely welcome are these alleged pictures of government officials enforcing the smoking ban at public eateries today. Shared by the page Sukan Star TV on Facebook, it shows various restaurants being raided by government officials and leaving smokers there with a special gift for the new year: a hefty summon!

Source: Sukan Star TV

Source: Sukan Star TV

Source: Sukan Star TV

Although the exact place and time of these raids could not be officially verified, we should commend the officials for their hard work enforcing a law that was meant to benefit us all. I mean, no one likes to eat at a smoke-filled restaurant; even smokers!

Source: Sukan Star TV

Source: Sukan Star TV

In case you didn’t know, the new smoking ban comes into effect today, which mandates that all smokers may only smoke if they stand 3 metres, or approximately 10 feet, away from any restaurant outlets. If found guilty, smokers may be fined upwards of RM10,000 or face jail time of up to two years. But as for vapes and e-cigarettes, the government is still deciding on the best course of action to combat their use.

Source: Sukan Star TV

Source: Sukan Star TV

Source: Sukan Star TV

If these viral photos are from today than these smokers just found themselves RM10,000 poorer. So for those of you who carry a pack on hand, do keep in mind the distance you have to be from any restaurants, cafes or even mamaks or you’ll be poorer in terms of finances AND health! 

Also read: Starting Jan 2020, Smokers In Restaurants Will Face 2 Years Jail Time Or RM10,000 Fine