KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 125 notices were issued to individuals and owners of premises for various smoking offences involving RM31,500 worth of compounds.
Health Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli said the compound notices were issued in an integrated enforcement operation in the city centre on Saturday (May 13).
"Notices were issued at several locations including 34 at food premises, public vehicles and stops (18), shopping malls (44), public parks (21) and pedestrian walkways (two).
"We also issued four notices to owners of premises for failing to ensure there was no smoking at their respective establishments and another notice for not having signage prohibiting smoking," she told reporters at Jalan Alor on Saturday.
Dr Norhayati said 12,773 operations were conducted last year and 4,113 operations between January and March this year.
"We issued 30,648 notices worth RM7.6mil last year while 13,331 notices worth RM3.3mil were issued this year as of March for smoking in prohibited areas," she said.
She said the state with the most smoking notices issued last year was Selangor (6,414), followed by Johor (3,095), Pahang (2,935), Perak (2,808) and Penang (2,725).
"Smoking prohibition is not aimed at punishing smokers but instead to prevent complications to those around them.
"Vape or electronic cigarette users also endanger those around them, based on international research.
"We urge smokers and vape users to stop their habit using treatments certified by the ministry," she added.
