SHAH ALAM, Sept 18 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has called on owners and workers to help the ministry in enforcing the smoking ban at all restaurants and eateries nationwide.
Similarly, the local authorities and communities also have their own responsibility to ensure compliance with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
"The public too must continue to lodge reports via #JomLapor, WhatsApp at 010-8608949, or the Hotline at 03-8892 4530," he said in a Twitter post tonight.
Dr Dzulkefly took note of the recent incident in which a 49-year-old mechanic was arrested by the police after getting into an altercation with a restaurant patron in Shah Alam today.
The suspect was smoking near the patron's pregnant wife, causing her discomfort. Despite repeated requests to stop, their concerns were ignored.
Subsequently, when the suspect then blew smoke towards the couple, it triggered a confrontation, which led to a shoving scuffle before the suspect left the premises.
"The incident in Shah Alam is deeply concerning — it is a clear offence under Act 852, Section 16(2), which replaced the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations under the Food Act 1983.
"As many have rightly pointed out, a law is only as good as it is enforced. However, it is impossible for enforcement officers to be present at every food premises at all times," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that despite this, the ministry's Inspectorate and Legal Sector has managed to carry out commendable enforcement measures in the past 12 months to ensure the law is upheld as best as possible.
"19,175 operations were conducted nationwide (50 operations daily), and 101,521 offence notices were issued (RM11.45 million in compound value).
"This proves that the Health Ministry is very serious. But laws and enforcement alone are not enough. Public health is a shared responsibility; we need ALL hands on deck," he said.
In addition to restaurant owners and workers playing their roles alongside the local authorities, the minister said that the three-metre rule is still in force.
"Smoking is an addiction, and smokers’ rights are not denied, as long as smoking is avoided in prohibited areas, particularly within public food premises.
"Respect the rights of other patrons to enjoy their meals without cigarette smoke, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly, by ensuring smoking takes place at least three metres from the last table of the premises.
"Respect the law, protect your loved ones!" Dr Dzulkefly concluded.
