Smokers in Sabah beware: Starting Jan 1,2020, action will be taken on those who light up at eateries

(From third right) Datuk Christina Rundi and Datuk Frankie Poon giving an eatery operator the no-smoking sign while reminding them not to allow patrons to light up in the premises.

KOTA KINABALU: After a year of educating the public on not smoking at eateries, the Health Ministry will no longer tolerate or compromise on those who refuse to abide by the law, starting Jan 1,2020.

Sabah Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Frankie Poon said smokers and premise operators have had ample time to get used to the law since it was introduced early this year.

“Starting Jan 1, there will be no compromise and offenders will be fined, or jailed, or both, if found guilty of smoking and allowing patrons to smoke in their shops, ” he said after a walkabout along Jalan Gaya in the city here, Tuesday (Dec 17).

He said shop owners who have yet to put up the 'No Smoking' signs will also be penalised.

Poon urged the public to give their full cooperation to see this initiative at eateries work.

Meanwhile, Sabah Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said there is an increase in smokers getting help to try and quit the habit this year, but only a small number have successfully stopped.

“There are many places where smokers can go to for help to quit smoking; it is free at any government hospitals and clinics but for those who do not wish to use our facilities, they can seek help from any private clinics and even pharmacies, ” she said.

During the walkabout, health officials inspected a total of eight premises and from these, four were found to have violated the law.

Three premises were found without the no-smoking signs, while one shop failed to stop its patrons from smoking on the premises.

They were issued with notices of reminders.

In October 2017, the Health Ministry announced that smoking would be banned in all restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres - even open-air eateries - nationwide, starting 2018.

Those caught smoking in prohibited areas can be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years' jail, while eateries that allow customers to light up can be slapped with a fine of up to RM5,000 or jailed up to a year.

Smokers (cigarettes, vape and shisha with nicotine) can only light up 3m away from the premises.