Melaka: A total of 3,156 notices with fines amounting to RM176,350 have been issued for various offences under Section 47 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) in Melaka since it came into force on Oct 1 last year. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem announced that the Melaka Health Department conducted 701 operations, inspecting a total of 28,980 premises across the state to control smoking products for public health.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the offences detected under the Act include smoking in no-smoking areas such as eateries under Section 16(2), minors smoking under Section 17(1), and failure to display no-smoking warning signs or providing smoking facilities on premises under Section 18(1)(a). Ngwe emphasized that enforcement efforts are focused on restaurants, food stalls, hawker centres, and eateries on land lots, ensuring these operations continue consistently.

He further elaborated that enforcement aims to monitor offences in restricted areas for the sale of tobacco products and prohibit selling and promoting such products. This statement was made during the “Safe Lungs Operation” in Duyong, attended by State Health Department director Dr Ruzita Mustaffa.

Ngwe disclosed that during the “Safe Lungs Operation”, 10 food premises were inspected, resulting in six offence notices worth RM1,500 issued under Sections 16 and 18 of Act 852. Additionally, fines totaling RM40,000 were imposed on two traders under Section 14 for selling smoking products at prices and conditions not in accordance with the law.

He noted that 450 packs of cigarettes worth RM3,055.50 were seized under Section 14, as they were believed to be sold at cheap prices ranging from RM5 to RM7.50 to school students or underage youths. These cigarettes are suspected of being smuggled and untaxed, based on initial inspections and verification by enforcement officers from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) involved in the operation.

The operation saw the participation of 40 enforcement officers from various agencies and departments, including the Health Department, JKDM, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Melaka branch of the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board.