Officials Write Summons As M’sian Smoking Ban Takes Effect On 1 Jan 2020
News of a smoking ban across all Malaysian eateries from Jan 2020 divided many who couldn’t tell if the law was legitimate.
But photos circulating online of enforcement officials making their rounds may quell doubters once and for all.
Facebook page Sukan Star TV shared the photos on New Year’s day yesterday (1 Jan), in a viral post that has since garnered over 2,500 shares.
This may now be a normal sight as Malaysia’s smoking ban came into effect on 1 Jan, prohibiting customers from smoking at eateries.
Officials strictly enforce smoking ban across Malaysia
Officials wearing vests that read “Penguatkuasa Kementerian Kesihatan” or “Ministry Of Health Enforcer” flocked eateries in groups to observe the customers.
Their notable presence proved that the ministry wasn’t kidding about sending over 5,000 officers to patrol local eateries.
Sukan Star TV didn’t leave a time or location stamp on the photos, but obeying the new law nonetheless won’t hurt.
Ban officially started on 1 Jan 2020
The smoking ban which started on 1 Jan, prohibits smoking in all public eateries. Customers who smoke will have to stand at least 3 metres away.
First-time offenders may face a RM250 (S$80) fine, or a discounted RM150 (S$50) if they pay on time, according to an article by Berita Harian.
Those who keep bending the rules could eventually face the maximum fine of RM10,000 (S$3,000).
Be wary on your next visit
If the above photographs were indeed genuine and taken on 1 Jan, you should really consider taking the ban seriously.
The officials look like they mean business, so there’s no messing around.
If you’re visiting Malaysia soon to prepare for Chinese New Year (CNY), remember not to take that irresistible smoke break at an eatery there.
You wouldn’t want to lose money for yummy CNY goodies and new clothes on a fine. That wouldn’t be a happy Chinese New Year.
Featured images adapted from Facebook and Facebook.
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