RM24.5mil in fines issued for smoking offences so far this year, says Dzulkefly

KUANTAN: The Health Ministry has issued 98,054 notices totalling RM24.5mil in fines over the past nine months for smoking-related offences in prohibited areas.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that this figure exceeds last year's total of 96,127 notices, which amounted to RM24mil in fines.

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"This data demonstrates our commitment to law enforcement. Claims that ministry personnel have ceased enforcing the smoking ban are false, as our enforcers conduct operations daily," he said.

Dzulkefly made these remarks while launching the Clean Premises, Smoke-Free (Bebas) Walkabout Programme and the 2024 Mega Integrated Enforcement Operation on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) at the national level on Saturday (Oct 19).

He added that if the enforcement of Regulation 11 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations (PPKHT) 2004 continues until the end of 2024, the ministry anticipates issuing over 130,000 notices, amounting to RM32mil in fines.

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However, the tobacco control regulations under PPKHT have now been replaced by Act 852.

When queried about whether enforcement officers face threats during operations, Dzulkefly acknowledged that such incidents had occurred but were managed effectively.

The ministry, in a statement, announced that the state-level Mega Integrated Operation, which began on Oct 11, aims to curb the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, especially among minors.

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It urged all ministries, agencies, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), traders’ associations, and the entire Madani community to create a smoke-free environment by enforcing Act 852 and other related laws.

The Mega Integrated Operation is the first of its kind, involving collaboration with various ministries and agencies, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police. – Bernama