KUCHING: Two men were each fined RM3,000 by the Magistrates’ Court here for smoking inside an eatery, a designated no-smoking area under national health regulations.
In a statement, the State Health Department (JKNS) said the first accused pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 16(2) of the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024, read together with Section 16(3), which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000.
The second accused also pleaded guilty, this time under Regulation 11(1) of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, read together with Regulation 11(3).
Both men had earlier been issued offence notices and given two months to settle a compound at any health office, but failed to do so.
Their absence after the deadline prompted the authorities to bring the cases to court for further action.
JKNS said both accused had also received prior reminders but still did not turn up at any health office.
According to case facts, the offences were detected during an Ops Rokok enforcement operation conducted by the Kuching Division Health Office around the city.
The two cases were heard separately before Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan.
During proceedings, prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim urged the court to impose appropriate penalties on both individuals as a deterrent.
