An enforcement officer issuing compounds to those flouting the smoking ban at an eatery in Mersing last month. — Courtesy photo
CLOSE to 10,000 compounds have been issued to errant smokers caught puffing cigarettes in eateries since 2019, says Johor executive councillor Ling Tian Soon.
The health and environment committee chairman said this included over 2,000 compounds issued in the first six months of this year alone.
“Johor Health Department has been conducting checks from time to time to ensure that the people adhere to the no-smoking rule at eateries.
“Since the ruling took effect in 2019 and up until June this year, the department has issued 9,855 compounds statewide.
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“From the number, 3,927 of them were issued between 2019 and 2022,” Ling told StarMetro.
“Last year, another 3,710 compounds were issued and between January and June this year, the department issued 2,218 compounds,” he said.
He added that the compounds were issued under Regulation 11(1)(d) of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 for smoking at eateries.
Additionally, 904 compounds were issued to restaurant owners for not displaying no-smoking signs and for failing to ensure their customers did not smoke on their premises.
“The department has issued 568 compounds between January last year and June this year to restaurant owners failing to display the no-smoking sign under Regulation 12(1)(a).
“During the same period, 336 compounds were issued under Regulation 12(1)(b) to those failing to stop their customers from smoking in their restaurants,” said Ling.
He urged restaurant owners to take proactive measures to adhere to the ruling, including making complaints to Health Ministry through its hotline at 010-860 8949.
“Restaurant owners must make sure that they display no-smoking signs clearly around their premises.
“They should not be providing ashtrays or a smoking area inside their premises, which will make it more convenient for customers to smoke.
“If they face problems in stopping errant smokers from puffing in their restaurants, they can reach out to district health offices or call the Health Ministry’s hotline to lodge a complaint,” he added.
Ling said the public could also be the eyes and ears of enforcement agencies by lodging reports to the proper channels when they come across people smoking in restricted areas.
For those wanting to quit smoking for good, he said support was available through Health Ministry’s website at jomquit.moh.gov.my
“Help and support is available at government facilities for those choosing to quit smoking.
“They can seek the services of the Stop Smoking Clinics, which are available at health clinics, or visit the Health Ministry’s ‘JomQuit’ website,” he added. — By VENESA DEVI
