SIBU: A man has been fined RM600 in default one week's jail after he pleaded guilty to smoking in a no-smoking area.
He was charged under Section 16(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, read together with Regulation 3(4) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Declaration of No-Smoking Areas or Places) Regulations 2024, before Magistrate Oon Kork Chen on Tuesday (March 17).
According to the brief facts of the case, this was the accused’s second offence this year.
The prosecution, led by officers from the Inspectorate and Legal Unit of the Sibu Divisional Health Office and the Sarawak Prosecution Core Team, sought a deterrent sentence.
They emphasised that an appropriate penalty was necessary in the interest of public health and to ensure strict adherence to the law.
It would also serve as a reminder to the accused and the public to respect designated no-smoking areas for the benefit of all, they added.
The accused, who was unrepresented, paid the fine.
