Gov't mulls social work punishment for smoking offenders

Social work punishment such as cleaning toilets, collecting rubbish and cutting grass is being considered for offenders of the smoking ban at public places, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (photo).

"The punishment will make people think twice, especially those who can afford the fine. So I am looking at social work punishment closely and judiciously,” he said when asked on the effectiveness of social work punishment.

Speaking at the Health Ministry (KKM)'s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today, Dzulkefly reminded the ministry’s employees to show a good example to the people by respecting the smoking ban in the ministry's premises and in public places.

In jest, he said the percentage of KKM staff who are still smokers is the ministry's top-secret and he had to accept the fact there are employees who could not kick the smoking habit.

Effective January 1 2019, a smoking ban was enforced at all restaurants and stalls regardless of whether the premises are enclosed or open by the roadside.

Smokers nabbed at such prohibited areas would face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a jail term not exceeding two years.

The period of enforcement education to gazette eating places as smoking ban areas was initially set for six months and it was later extended to the end of the year.

According to Dzulkefly, 129,180 premises were inspected with more than 30,698 smoking warning notices issued.

Meanwhile, the minister said KKM would monitor the preparation of free breakfast to school pupils as announced by Education Minister Maszlee Malik yesterday.

“KKM will also monitor the dietary aspect and nutrition of the food provided,” he said when commenting on Maszlee’s announcement that the government would provide free breakfast for all primary school students nationwide from January 2020.

Maszlee said the initiative was introduced to ensure students are healthy and energetic while attending classes.

- Bernama