KUALA LUMPUR: More frequent patrols will be conducted at locations that often receive complaints about smoking in prohibited places, says Deputy Health director-general Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli.
She said a total of 352 premises in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya were inspected under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) from Oct 1 to 21, reported Sinar Harian.
"A total of 33 notices under Section 47 of Act 852 have been issued, with a compound value of RM8,250 through daily and scheduled operations.
“Out of these, 18 notices involved restaurants, 7 notices were issued to shopping complexes, and 8 to public stopping areas," she told reporters after the Mega Integrated Enforcement Operation in Kampung Baru here on Monday (Oct 21).
Dr Norhayati added that the new no-smoking signs include electronic cigarette logos and a QR code that can be scanned to find out more about health advisory services.
"Premises owners are also not allowed to place ashtrays to prevent customers from smoking. If customers do smoke, premises owners are requested to advise them tactfully not to smoke in prohibited areas.
"If the customers are still stubborn, complaints can be made to the Health Ministryat 010-8608949 or to the operations room at 03-88924552. The complainant's information will be confidential," she said.
She stressed that these 'hotspots' are determined by how many complaints are received, and enforcement officers will patrol them more frequently.
She also hoped that the new warning signs would provide clearer explanations.
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When asked about the response from premises owners, she stated that all complied with using the new prohibition signs.
"They understand the need to comply. They support and welcome this enforcement," she said.
She said that the integrated joint operation in Kuala Lumpur, the eighth to be held since Oct 1, had been conducted previously in Melaka, Sabah, Selangor, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
On Oct 4, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that laundromats and workplace buildings in both government and private sectors will be designated as non-smoking areas, effective Jan 1 next year.
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The Act will be enforced in two phases: immediate enforcement and education-based enforcement. Immediate enforcement targets the sale of smoking products in the form of games that attract children and teenagers, aiming to limit their availability, especially to minors.
Additionally, the Act bans the sale of smoking products in educational institutions, marketplaces, online platforms, and vending machines. All forms of advertisements, promotions and sponsorships targeting children and youth for smoking products are also prohibited with immediate effect.
