KUCHING: Three men were each fined RM350 in default three weeks’ imprisonment by the Magistrates’ Court here for smoking in prohibited areas.
Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) said two of the offenders were caught smoking at eateries, while another was found smoking at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) in May this year.
All three were charged under Section 16(2) of the Public Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024, read together with Section 16(3) of the same Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000.
The accused had earlier been issued offence notices under Section 47 of the same Act and were given two months to settle the compound at any Health Office.
However, they failed to do so even after being reminded, prompting authorities to file the case in court for further action.
During proceedings before Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali, the accused pleaded guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim from the Inspectorate and Legal Unit of the Kuching Divisional Health Office informed the court that the airport and eateries had been gazetted as no-smoking zones, with clear signage displayed at the premises.
He urged the court to impose a fair sentence as a reminder to the public to respect gazetted no-smoking areas and comply with the law for the sake of public health.
