PUTRAJAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, under fire for smoking in a prohibited area, has apologised and will pay the fine slapped on him.
Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mat, confirmed that he had received a compound notice from the Seremban district health office yesterday morning.
“It happened at the kampung. If it has become a concern and an issue among the public, I would like to offer my sincere apology,” he told reporters after a presentation ceremony in Wisma Putra on Malaysia’s contribution to Palestine under an initiative by Jordan.
Mohamad said that the compound notice would be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to determine the fine amount and next course of action.
“Officers from the district health office came to see me as I could not return to Seremban.
“I had made the request for them to come as I will be leaving for Bangkok on Thursday (today).
“I will pay the fine... I hope it will not be too high,” he said.
Tok Mat, who is the Rantau MP, was seen in photos on social media holding a cigarette at an eatery where he was seated with a group of men believed to be his constituents.
This sparked outrage with netizens citing anti-smoking regulations and urging the authorities to act against him.
The photos went viral on Tuesday.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in his response, said the rules would be strictly enforced and that no one was above the law.
Under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2018, anyone caught smoking in a non-smoking area can be fined up to RM10,000 and face up to two years jail, while business owners who failed to display a no-smoking sign may be fined up to RM3,000 or jailed up to six months.
Section 16 of Act 852 states that anyone who smokes in an area declared as a non-smoking zone can be fined up to RM5,000.
Meanwhile, the Consumers’ Association of Penang has supported the enforcement action against Mohamad.
Its senior education officer NV Subbarow said the minister should act as a good role model to the people.
“The government has enforced the law and they should also follow it,” he added.
