KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 284 notices involving compound notices worth RM71,000 were issued by the Health Ministry to patrons and owners of premises for various smoking offences.
Health Ministry Disease Control division director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli said 263 food and cigarette-selling premises in Chow Kit and Kampung Baru were inspected on Saturday (June 25) following an integrated operation.
"We issued compound notices to 284 patrons for smoking offences under the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 2004.
"A total of 14 compound notices were also issued to owners of premises for not displaying non-smoking signs while 28 other notices were also issued for other offences," she told a press conference on Saturday night.
She said the operation was jointly conducted by the Health Ministry, Customs Department, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
"The Ministry seized 147 packets of cigarettes for offences under Section 5 of the Trade Description Act 2011.
"The Customs Department seized 20 cartons and 156 packets of cigarettes for storing and in possession of invalid cigarettes," she added.
Dr Norhayati said the ministry was satisfied with the operation as it showed excellent cooperation among the ministries and agencies involved.
"We will continue with such operations in the future to curb smoking offences.
"We are committed to ensuring that smoking among Malaysians is given serious attention. The transition into endemicity is an important phase and it must be made aware that smoking can cause serious complications for those infected with Covid-19," she said.
