- January 9, 2019 @ 7:21pm
KOTA KINABALU: A smoking ban at all eateries in Sabah will take effect on Feb 1.
State Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong said: “The decision shows that the state government is committed to ensure a smoke-free environment for the people of Sabah and visitors from outside.
“The state cabinet meeting today agreed to implement the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2018 which involves all eateries starting from Feb 1 to give ample time for agencies and premise owners to prepare for it,” he told a press conference, here.
Wong said there would be a six-month grace period to educate the public on the smoking ban.
From July 1, a fine of up to RM10,000 or maximum imprisonment of two years will be imposed.
On the delay in discussing the issue, Wong said although the Health Ministry had announced the ban in October last year, the state government did not receive any notification on the policy prior to its implementation in the peninsula on Jan 1.
Sabah Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said 747 officers from the department would look into the implementation of the ban, including in rural areas.
“We hope during the six-month educational period, people will be aware that it is compoundable if they smoke.
“Once they are informed of this policy, we hope they won’t do it.”
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