GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Health Department issued 996 compounds against the public for smoking in prohibited areas statewide since the beginning of this year until last Sunday.
Its deputy director (public health) Datin Dr Azizah Abd Manan said the compound action was taken under Regulation 11 of the Tobacco Control Regulation (PPKHT) 2004 for smoking in prohibited places and Regulation 12 of the PPKHT 2004 for not displaying the prohibition signs.
She said since January until March 20, the state Health Department had issued a total of 1,182 compounds during integrated operations.
"Of the total, the highest number of compounds were issued against those who lit up at prohibited areas, at 996 compounds.
"Based on statistics, the areas where the most people were caught puffing away were eateries, restaurants and air-conditioned shops.
"In fact, action has been taken against smokers in shopping malls and airport as well," she told newsmen after an enforcement operation here today.
Dr Azizah said based on the number of compounds, many people in the state were non-compliant and may not understand the importance of the smoking ban in public areas.
Smoking, she added, was not only dangerous to the smokers themselves but to those around them as well.
Dr Azizah said the state Health Department would continue to hold more operations and at the same time, hold more awareness promotions on the dangers of smoking, especially involving students and young people so that they do not become smokers.
She said through the operations conducted, some smokers said they did not know some areas, especially that the George Town World Heritage Site had been gazetted as a non-smoking zone.
"Such operation is necessary from time to time as it not only issued compounds but our enforcement team also advises people to comply and understand the importance of smoking ban in public areas," she said.