RM250 fine for a puff in no-smoking areas

KUALA LUMPUR: Bad news for smokers in they city -- those who puff in no-smoking areas will be slapped with a fine of RM250 with immediate effective. This has been enforced by the Federal Territory Health Department in conjunction with World Tobacco Day on May 31.

Deputy director (public health) Dr Sallehudin Abu Bakar said the department was coming down hard on smokers who continued to flout the law.

"We will enforce the tobacco control regulations, besides stationing more enforcement officers at no-smoking zones, like hospitals, government offices and shopping complexes.

"We are intensifying efforts to mark World Tobacco Day and to stop more people from smoking," he said yesterday.

In the past, smokers caught puffing away in no-smoking areas were only given a warning. Now, they have to settle the fine within two weeks or face legal action.

Dr Sallehudin said officers would also be on the lookout for shopkeepers who sell cigarettes to minors, and food operators who do not display the no-smoking sign at their premises.

"Public health and safety cannot be compromised," he said, adding that an operation to weed out those who smoke in no-smoking zones was being conducted.

The operation started yesterday and will last until the end of the month.

Yesterday, eight smokers were caught puffing away at the grounds of the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Petaling Jaya. They were served with a notice to reply within 14 days to the department.

If the authorities really want to stop people from smoking, then do the necessary : such as BANNIBG the sales of cigarettes NATIONWIDE, Order the Cigarettes manufacturing companies to close down (for selling harmful stuff to the people), ban the tobacco farmings,etc.

BUT Why the Government is not taking such steps? To be honest, various campaigns launched in the past (TAK NAK, etc) did not stop people from smoking.

Maybe the "World Tobacco Day" means SUPPORT tobacco ???

Lee, Penang:
Why KL only, this should go nationwide. Penang has her fair share of inconsiderate smokers, pls enforce without fear or favour, as its normal that we start well and after that run out of steam. Too many ignorant smokers who need enforcement to toe the line.

Dom, Petaling Jaya:
Please enforce non-smoking zones within restaurants. It is really terrible for non smokers like myself to sit next to smokers and have to endure breathing in second-hand smoke while eating my meal.

Low, Penang:
I feel the government should have more designated smoking areas in the city. For example, there should be smoking areas 1)Outside/inside shopping complexes (either open/close). 2)Provide a smoking room at airports/train stations/LRT stations/bus stations. 3)Promote the the sale of miniature ashtrays(available in Japan) which is easy carry around. 4)Provide more ashtray bins around the country so the 'lazy' smokers don't litter on the ground.

Low K S, Subang Jaya:
All laws and regulations in connection with smoking must be enforced strictly in order to have the desire effect. Regular offenders will stop breaking rules once they know the probability of being caught and fined is very high. Habitual offenders must pay for their arrogance.

Caroline, Kuala lumpur:
Please check Mid Valley Shopping Mall, Makan Place (DBKL Food Court) where there is NO SMOKING sign everywhere and people couldn't care less and are still smoking away while eating.

There are people also standing at the entrance of the glass door smoking and nobody bothers to warns them. What is DBKL doing since this is their Food Court? The place is so smoky that you hardly see anything except people smoking.

K. Rajasekaran, Penang:
Well, it has to be strictly implemented. Having laws and many by-laws with little enforcement has been the main culprit in Malaysia.

It is shocking to read Dr. Lo'Lo arguing in Dewan Rakyat about MP's and officials puffing away there!

Isn't the entire Parliament house government/public area? Therefore, enforcement has to start there. Even if it involves the Ministers themselves! I have seen many students and staff smoke like no one cares at public varsities. And yet, at each entrance and office area within the campus it's stated, 'Kampus ini adalah kawasan larangan merokok'.

I laud DBKL for taking the lead. I hope other local councils and govt agencies will follow suit.

I have the least regard for those who smoke knowing the dangers. BUT, what about the silent majority who don't?

The many who see RM3 million a day spent on cigarettes in Malaysia as a shocking waste!

Dear Malaysian smokers, do us all a favour - puff away all you want in the confines of your own room/office. Then, it's only your own health that matters. And, please, spare us the 'it's my basic human rights' slogan. WE, the majority, have much bigger rights, and the law is on our side. Thank you.

Richard, Petaling Jaya:
Good news to non-smokers. We have suffered far too long.

Hope the Government will ban smoking at all eateries (air-con or not) like Latuk, Kuala Lumpur said. As long as there is food served, there should not be cigarette smoke. Well done, Dr Sallehudin and his staff.

John, Kuala Lumpur:
If the authorities need information on the places where this law is not observed I could name a few.

For example, walk along the corridors of Bukit Bintang Plaza (from the entrance facing Jalan Bukit Bintang) and you could smell the stench of cigarette smoke coming from the stalls and you could even spot ash trays on the counters!

Latuk, Kuala Lumpur.:
And the government should enforce the rule to all eateries and that immediate Rm50.00 fine to be implemented on the spot.

Failure to pay would be sent to a detoxification center and make to consume detoxification medicine to get rid of smoking habits.

Choon , Johor Bahru:
It's about time. Some smokers believe it's their right to light up anywhere and no one will stop them. I challenge the authorities to implement this program on a permanent and nationwide basis.

Maybe the first place they should go is Pertama Complex in KL. One can smoke under the no smoking sign without any fear.