30,000 warning letters issued to smokers

PUTRAJAYA: The health ministry says 30,698 warning letters have been issued to smokers to date ahead of the nationwide ban on smoking at eateries to be enforced next year.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said enforcement officers have also inspected some 129,180 premises so far as the government’s six-month grace period for smokers continues.

He said he is considering punishing those who violate the ban with more social work instead of imposing fines, as this will bring greater benefit to society.

Such social work includes activities such as cleaning public toilets.

“Some are saying to me on Twitter that the ministry is doing this half-heartedly because now, many have started to smoke again.

“I accept (the criticism) with an open heart,” he added.

The grace period was allowed by the government as part of efforts to educate offenders instead of taking immediate punitive action against them.

Dzulkefly said even health officers in his ministry are still smoking on government premises despite the initiative.

“Before the grace period ends, I want stringent action to be taken, including disciplinary action against the officers who are caught smoking in ministry facilities nationwide,” he said. - FMT