Schools, universities next up for smoking ban?

The ban on smoking in Parliament and at eateries nationwide came into effect this year. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: The health ministry is considering extending the smoking ban to learning institutions such as public and private schools and universities this year, says health director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said this was in accordance with the ministry’s focus on protecting the rights of non-smokers who represent about 80% of the public.

“The health ministry’s agenda is to focus on a healthy environment for the non-smokers.

“Smokers can continue but they have to respect the rights of non-smokers,” he told reporters here yesterday.

The ministry imposed a smoking ban in Parliament, followed by eateries beginning this year under Regulation 11 of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations (Amendments) 2018. It is also considering introducing the ban at launderettes and hotels.

During the first six months of the ban at eateries, ministry enforcement personnel will only issue warning letters, not compounds. After the six-month period, anyone found guilty of breaching the ban can be fined up to RM10,000 or jailed up to two years.

In Butterworth, Penang Health, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the state Health Department had issued 1,278 warning letters to eateries in the state for offences related to the ban.

He said 800 of the premises did not display signs informing customers of the ban. A total of 1,604 eateries were screened to ensure compliance with the smoking ban.

In Johor Bahru, Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the state Health Department had issued 1,431 warning letters so far.

He said 3,470 premises were inspected for compliance, from Jan 1 to 8.

In Kuala Terengganu, Health Department director Dr Mohd Jusoh said 2,838 premises were inspected and 1,368 warning letters issued for non-compliance. -FMT