SHAH ALAM: A total of 150 notices, involving compound fines totalling RM30,750, were issued by the Selangor Health Department in an anti-smoking operation at 562 restaurant premises in the state since Wednesday.
Selangor health director Dr Khalid Ibrahim, in a statement today, said seven of these notices were issued to smokers aged below 18, with one of them in possession of an e-cigarette.
He said 20 of the notices, involving compound fines of RM5,000, were issued to owners of food premises, with 18 of the notices for failing to display the no-smoking signage or notices at their premises.
Two of the owners were fined for providing smoking facilities at their premises.
He said under the smoking ban, owners and operators of food premises are not only required to put up the no-smoking notices but should not provide smoking facilities or ashtrays. Shisha smoking is banned at eateries.
He said the errant smokers issued the notices should pay a compound fine of RM250. The compound fine for those aged below 18 is RM50.
“For the first offender, the compound fine can be reduced to RM150 if payment is made within a month of the issuance of the notice.
“For the second offence, the compound fine will not be reduced. For the third and subsequent offences, the errant smoker will be imposed a fine of RM350 or face legal action in court.”
He advised those who want to quit cigarette smoking to seek the “mQuit” service, which is available at government health clinics and hospitals, and accredited private health facilities.
They can also register at the website http://jomquit.moh.gov.my or call 03-8883 4400.