By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 15: Seven smokers were fined RM1,750 in total after they were caught smoking in public areas, especially eateries, designated smoke-free zones during an operation by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) in collaboration with the Sarawak Health Department yesterday (April 14).
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng reported that three smokers were caught in the Gala City area while four were booked in the BDC area; each was fined RM250.
The operation yesterday involved 35 officers from MBKS led by Wee himself and 15 officers from the Sarawak Health Department.
“We are glad the public are supportive of the enforcement effort, which also served as an awareness campaign to warn smokers and to keep our public places, especially eateries, smoke-free.
“Do not smoke in prohibited areas because it will affect others, especially non-smokers. If you are caught violating the rules, you must bear the consequences,” he said during today’s ShallWeeTalk online session with the community.
He also reminded smokers to properly discard the ashes and cigarette buds because they are a nuisance; moreover, littering is also a violation that can be fined.
Wee stressed that many non-smokers dislike it when others are smoking in public areas, and sometimes, business owners themselves were badly scolded when they approached smokers to tell them that they were prohibited from smoking in the area.
“Smokers should not be so immoral as this is the era of knowledge and technology, not about gangsterism or using ‘knuckles’ (force or violence). In this civilised society we live in today, let’s have virtue and be more cultured. You do not live in this society alone. There must be a consideration for others,” he added.
MBKS will continue to conduct the enforcement operation to ensure compliance with smoking bans in other areas with assistance from the Health Department.
“We will be strict in booking violators; otherwise, there is no reason for enforcement. We are serious, and this is not just an act for the public to see.
“We are not stopping smokers from smoking, but please go to designated smoking areas or areas that allow smoking. But we also do not encourage people to smoke,” he added.
During the operation, MBKS officers also took the opportunity to inspect the hygiene and cleanliness of the premises, including toilets and cooking areas. — DayakDaily
