HEALTH Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the Health Ministry issued RM24.5 million in fines for smoking violations this year, an increase from last year’s RM24 million for 96,127 notices.
He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to enforcing the smoking ban, countering claims of lax enforcement.
“This data proves that we are serious about enforcing the law. Claims that KKM personnel no longer enforce the smoking ban are false…our enforcers regularly carry out operations every day,” he said as reported by Bernama.
The ministry expects to issue over 130,000 notices, totaling RM32 million in fines by the end of 2024, under the newly implemented Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which replaces previous regulations.
The ongoing Mega Integrated Enforcement Operation, launched on October 11, targets the sale and use of tobacco products, especially among minors, in collaboration with various ministries and agencies.
KKM also urged all ministries, agencies, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), traders’ associations, and the entire Madani community to create a smoke-free environment by enforcing Act 852 and other related laws. – Oct 20, 2024
Main image: thestar
