Clampdown on smokers in Malaysia

One hundred and seventy nine people have been fined so far for smoking tobacco in air-conditioned premises, shops and shopping complexes, under a clampdown by Malaysia’s Health Ministry that started on September 30, according to a Bernama report.

The health director was reported to have said the operations included checks on 888 air-conditioned premises.

He said the operations were conducted ‘to protect the public from the dangers of passive smoking especially in air-conditioned premises’, and to provide a reminder to smokers not to smoke in prohibited areas.

The smokers were fined RM250 each and 17 owners of air-conditioned premises were each fined the same amount for failing to display no-smoking signs or for displaying signs that did not meet the necessary specifications.

Those who fail to pay their fines within the specified period will be charged in court and, if found guilty, could be fined up to RM10,000 or sentenced to jail for up to two years.