RM10,000 fine for smoking in Selangor no-smoking zones

PETALING JAYA: Smokers beware.
From today those caught smoking in public parks in Selangor risk a RM10,000 fine following the state government's gazetting of no-smoking zones at public parks excluding open car parks.
Under The Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2017, those caught flouting the law will face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or up to two years' imprisonment.
This includes smoking e-cigarettes.
The regulation defines a public park as "an open area for the purposes of leisure and recreational containing soft or hard landscapes, or both, such as pedestrian paths, playing fields, game courts and playgrounds".
The regulations came into operation on Feb 1.
Since Feb 15, educational and awareness activities were carried out at all public parks in the state.
A total of 18 no-smoking signs and 82 bunting and banners were put up while 39,819 pamphlets were distributed to inform the public about the gazetting of public parks as no-smoking zones.
It was reported Selangor Health director Datuk Dr Zailan Adnan said the enforcement will begin from June 1 but it will be carried out in stages as the state health department needs to know how big the park is and where the boundaries are.
Zailan added these efforts were in line with Malaysia's aim to be a smoke-free nation by 2045.
Public parks are among the 24 no-smoking zones.
Others include government premises, hospitals, shopping complexes, petrol stations as well as places with air-conditioning.
Meanwhile, Shah Alam City Council corporate communications head Shahrin Ahmad said the council would contribute in terms of logistics.
Some 13 parks in Petaling Jaya have been classified as no-smoking zones — Taman Jaya, Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya, Taman Aman, Taman PJS 10, Taman Rimba Riang, Taman Tasik Komuniti Kelana Jaya, Urban Park 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Damansara Damai, Centre Spine in Bandar Sri Damansara, Taman Tasik Ara Damansara and Bukit Gasing.
In Kuala Lumpur, smoking has been banned at public parks since January.