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 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.
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).
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.
The Paradise Tree Snake may have misjudged its landing and ended up on the car.
The 69-year-old was reportedly upset over his neighbour's refusal to apologise.
False claims include that GCB transactions occur without government checks on beneficial owners' identities.
The suspect casually watched as the woman became consumed by flames.
The thief left the wallet and more than RM200 behind, presumably to mislead the 72-year-old…
Such poor sportsmanship.