Anti-smoking enforcement personnel will wear body cameras, says Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Enforcement officers will wear body cameras to nab those flouting the coming anti-smoking laws, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The Health Minister said this aligns with the approval given to health enforcement officers to use body cameras during operations to enforce various health regulations last year.

She said that officers face various risks and challenges during operations, including being accused with allegations.

"The recordings can serve as a defence if there are claims or allegations made against them," added Dr Zaliha

She said using the body cameras would help improve officers' professionalism and the ministry's integrity as a whole.

Dr Zaliha said this when wrapping up debates on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill.

It imposes regulations on the sale and use of tobacco and vape products affecting "minors" after removing an earlier proposal to impose a ban on smoking on those born after Jan 1, 2007.

Dr Zaliha tabled the revised Bill on Tuesday (Nov 28) for it's first reading, and it passed by a voice vote on Thursday (Nov 30).