By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 5: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng sternly warns the general public against smoking in non-smoking zones and possessing contraband cigarettes.
He said both groups of individuals will get summoned by the Ministry of Health (KKM) enforcement officers, with fines of at least RM250, should they be spotted.
Today, Wee led a group of MBKS and KKM enforcement officers on a walkabout in the Kenyalang area following several complaints last week, sighting smokers puffing away at eateries and hawker centres.
“I think we have given enough warnings. Today, this is only one of our regular patrols. Every week, the KKM will go around.
“So, everyone, please cooperate. We don’t wish to penalise you; you also don’t want to be penalised. Please be considerate.
“If you need to smoke, leave the non-smoking areas,” said Wee in a Facebook livestream session during the walkabout.
When urged by netizens to conduct undercover patrols rather than scaring away smokers with their uniforms, Wee replied that the KKM and MBKS are not entitled to undercover operations.
He explained that the enforcement officers are not authorised to issue summons when they are not wearing their uniforms.
“We cannot act without wearing our uniforms. If we summon people without uniforms, nobody is (obligated) to provide us with their ICs, and neither will they comply.
“In fact, not only are we looking to penalise smokers, but also to create awareness. So, for example, we want to tell people that smoking is prohibited in non-smoking zones.
“That’s the important message we want to carry forward,” he added. — DayakDaily
