KUANTAN, Oct 19 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has issued 98,054 notices, amounting to RM24.5 million in fines, over the past nine months for smoking-related offences in prohibited areas.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the figure is higher than last year’s 96,127 notices, amounting to RM24 million in fines.
“This data proves we are serious about enforcing the law. Claims that MOH personnel no longer enforce the smoking ban are false. Our enforcers carry out operations every day,” he told reporters.
He said this after launching the Clean Premises, Smoke-Free Walkabout and the 2024 Mega Integrated Enforcement Operation on the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) here today.
Dr Dzulkefly 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 is expected to issue over 130,000 notices, amounting to RM32 million in fines.
However, tobacco control regulations under the PPKHT have been replaced by Act 852.
When asked if enforcement officers face threats during operations, Dr Dzulkefly acknowledged that such incidents have occurred but were managed effectively.
The MOH in a statement urged all ministries, agencies, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations, traders’ associations, and the Madani community to create a smoke-free environment by enforcing Act 852 and related laws.
— Bernama
