PETALING JAYA, May 18 ― A total of 989 compounds were issued to smokers caught in prohibited areas in “Ops Putung” organised by the Health Ministry.
Its director-general, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, said in a statement the smoking offences occurred in public places such as shopping malls, hospitals, airports, cinemas and rest and recreational areas.
“The ministry had carried out nationwide operations from May 12 to 14 and estimated the total compound value at RM245,350,” he said.
“The operation will be carried out routinely. We hope to raise awareness about the laws for controlled smoking in the country. At the same time, we hope smokers will respect the law and be considerate to those around them on the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.”
Dr Noor Hisham advised them to quit smoking or get help from government hospitals and health clinics to kick the habit.
The operation was held in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“The aim is to bring awareness to the public that the commercial image portrayed by the cigarette companies gives a false perception of the facts and distorts the adverse effects of smoking on health,” he said.
