KUALA LUMPUR: Eight compounds were issued for smoking, including to a member of parliament, since the Parliament has gazetted it as a non-smoking area beginning yesterday.
Health Ministry Tobacco Control Unit head Dr Ariana Hassan said the compounds were issued by the health officers yesterday.
“We issued eight compounds yesterday and have yet to issue any today.
“We will continue to monitor all three smoking zones throughout the parliament sitting,” she told reporters when met outside the former smoking room in the Parliament today.
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the parliament building was gazetted as non-smoking area including the smoking corners located near the Dewan Rakyat and the cafeteria.
He said the move was part of the government’s commitment to make Parliament a smoke-free zone.
Those who want to light up are required to walk at least 300 metres outside the parliament complex.
Anyone found breaking the law is liable to a maximum of RM500 compound and can be fined up to RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to two months, or both.
The offence is under the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 2004 - Tobacoo Control Law.