Story by Amanda Khong
SMOKERS beware as from Jan 1 the State Health Department will issue a compound to those who smoke in the smoke-free zones.
Those found to be smoking at these non-smoking zones will be liable to a fine of not more than RM10,000 or jail of not more than two years.
Health director Datuk Dr. Zailan Adnan was at the launching ceremony of the Smoke Free Penang (Penbar) Bus with RapidPenang on Nov 12 at Swettenham Pier.
“Since July 4, George Town Unesco World Heritage Site has been officially announced as a smoke free zone. Posters, banners and signs have been put up at these areas so that starting January 2016, the public has no more excuses to smoke in these areas,” said Zailan.
Also present at the launching ceremony was RapidPenang chief operating officer Major (Rtd) Mohd Shukri Abdul Rahman and Penang Port chairman Datuk Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman.
A taskforce was also formed last year to ensure that everyone abides by the Penbar policy.
It compromises officers from Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP), Royal Malaysia Police, Penang Port, Royal Malaysia Customs, Immigration Department, Penang State Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Department, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, and non-governmental organisations.
“Vaping is not banned by the government but I do urge the public to say ‘no’ to both vaping and smoking as both are equally bad for health,” Zailan said when the topic of vaping was brought up.if (document.currentScript) {