SANDAKAN: The State Government and relevant authorities will remain committed to educational enforcement throughout Sabah before the smoking ban at eateries is fully enforced on July 1, said State Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong.
He said this was in line with the State Cabinet’s decision to conduct educational enforcement from Feb 1 to June 30.
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“During this period, enforcers from the State Health Department and local authority (DBKK) will monitor premises to ensure the operators install the ‘No Smoking’ sign according to the prescribed specifications.
“In addition, they will give advice and information to the premise operators and civilians on the non-smoking zone at eateries.
“This gives people time to understand and make it a habit of not lighting up at dining places before the smoking ban is fully imposed,” he said.
As of February, Wong said a total of 2,261 premises have been inspected and 2,710 educational enforcement activities carried out in Sabah, in addition to 406 warning notices issued.
He said this after participating in a walkabout programme here to personally see the public’s reaction to the smoking ban at eateries.
“Based on my visit to several premises, it is clear that the implementation of the smoking ban is well accepted by the people,” he added.
He said the public could channel complaints to the nearest district health office or via the Health Ministry’s info line at 03-88924530 or WhatsApp to 010-8608949 by providing details such as name, date and location.
