KUALA LUMPUR — From Wednesday (Jan 1) onwards, it will prove costly for patrons to light up at eateries across Malaysia.

Doing so will be result in a RM250 (S$82) compound for the first and second offences, which increases to RM350 for a third offence.

Food and beverage outlets which allow patrons to light up will also be slapped with the same compound amount, said Health Ministry director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said the compounds will be imposed from Wednesday onwards, as a crackdown on smoking at eateries nationwide takes effect.

The Health Ministry had gazetted all food and beverage outlets in Malaysia as smoke-free areas from Jan 1, 2019 — with an educational enforcement period in place for 12 months.

The “grace period” in 2019 saw smokers having to be at least 3m away from food and beverage establishments before they could light up.

The enforcement period will now give way to a full enforcement of the ban.

Dr Noor Hisham said the extension of smoking ban to eateries was done under Regulation 11 (1) (d) of the Tobacco Control Regulation (PPKHT) Regulations 2004 (amended) 2018.

“For full enforcement purposes beginning Jan 1, 2020, those found smoking in prohibited areas, including all eateries, would be charged a compound of RM250.

“Those who commit the offence (for the first time) can have their compounds reduced to RM150 if payment is made at any District Health Office within one month from the date the compound was issued.

“For the second offence, there is no reduction to the compound and a full payment of RM250 will be charged.

“A higher compound of RM350 will be charged on those who commit the offence for the third time and so on,” said Dr Noor Hisham in a statement.

He added that under the law, eatery owners must also ensure that their premises are completely smoke-free. They are also forbidden from providing amenities for smokers to take a puff, including ashtrays or shisha services.

Proprietors must also ensure that the “no smoking” sign is displayed prominently and clearly in an area which is visible to all, Dr Noor Hisham said.

“For full enforcement purposes, from Jan 1 onwards, premises owners could be compounded up to RM250 for the first and second offences. For the third offence, they could be slapped with a RM350 compound,” he added.

Dr Noor Hisham said that support and cooperation from all quarters, especially Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Ministry, is essential in ensuring that the full implementation of the law goes smoothly.

There are currently 23 types of establishments designated as smoke-free under the law.

These include entertainment centres, theatres, lifts, public toilets, air-conditioned eateries, public vehicles, airports, government premises and any area used for the purpose of assembly. NEW STRAITS TIMES