THE “no smoking” signages must be displayed in government buildings and air-conditioned premises to ensure that people know which were the “smoke-free” areas, Bukit Gantang MCA chairman Datuk Ho Cheng Wang said.
This is also to prevent any confusion over the matter or having smokers hauled up for lighting up in prohibited areas, which did not have the signages.
“Under the law (Tobacco Controlled Act), a smoker caught smoking in prohibited areas can be fined a least RM250,” he said.
Unclear about the concept: Ariffin (centre) and Ho (right) giving a press conference on the “no smoking” signages.
His statement came about after shoe seller Ariffin Ibrahim was nabbed, together with 100 other smokers, during a recent three-day operation carried out by the district health department.
Ariffin, 48, said that the ground floor of the Plaza Perbandaran Taiping where he operates his shoe stall, was not a “no smoking” area.
He then approached Ho for help.
Ho then met district health department chief Dr Syed Mud Puad Syed Amran over the issue and it was confirmed that Ariffin had not committed any offence as the area in question was not a “no smoking” area in the first place.
“Even the plaza’s second floor, where the food court is located, is not a smoke-free area. But smoking is strictly prohibited on the top floor which houses a bowling alley. This is because the centre is fully air-conditioned,” Ho said.
Ho claimed that some enforcement officers who nabbed smokers during the three-day operation were themselves not quite sure which were the “no smoking” areas.
The district Health Department had issued circulars to all government departments and agencies to put up “no smoking” signages in March.
“But the department will issue another circular soon to remind them of the need to have such signages as the people, especially villagers may not be aware of the smoking ban in some areas,” said Ho.
Ho also urged others nabbed along with Ariffin to approach him to enable him to submit an appeal to reduce their fines.
”But an appeal can only be submitted within a stipulated period, usually within two weeks after being nabbed,” he said.
