RM100 ‘discount’ for smoking violators who pay up early

A smoking ban has been in force at restaurants and eating places since Jan 1.

KUALA LUMPUR: A RM250 fine on smoking violators will be reduced to RM150 if the fine is paid early, under a government proposal, according to health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the enforcement of no-smoking regulations at food premises was not merely to punish the offenders but most importantly to educate them.

“Some 20,000 Malaysians die annually due to smoking-related illnesses such as cancer. This is why I’m taking this action.

“…I don’t want passive smokers to suffer negative health effects,” he said today.

A smoking ban was enforced from Jan 1 at all restaurants and stalls regardless of whether the premises are enclosed or open by the roadside.

A RM250 compound fine is slapped on those who fail to comply and if they fail to pay the compound, they can be charged in court where they are liable for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years in jail.

Dzulkefly spoke to reporters after launching the third phase of the Etiqa Free Mammogram Programme, held in collaboration with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.

He said the programme would be carried out at selected hospitals in the peninsula, and would provide 6,000 free breast cancer screenings to underprivileged women over the age of 40. - FMT