Smoking at public places has long been outlawed in Malaysia since last October and court complexes are definitely on the ‘no-no’ list.
However, a teenager in Seremban didn’t seem to get the memo after he was caught puffing away on a cigarette at a courthouse and was fined for it.
18yo M’sian fined RM400 for smoking at courthouse
According to NST, the unnamed 18-year-old, who is classified as a juvenile under the law, was seen smoking at a non-smoking area within the Seremban Court Complex at 10.02am on Nov 18, 2024.
According to the facts of the case, the teen was caught in the act by an Assistant Environmental Health Officer (PPKP) from the Seremban District Health Office.
When confronted by the officer, who told him he had broken the law, the teen tossed away the cigarette he was holding.
He was later charged under Subsection 17(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), read together with Paragraph 3(9) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Declaration of No-Smoking Areas or Places) Order 2024.
The teen pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nurul Azuin Mohd Talhah during court proceedings held behind the Special Traffic Court, where he was slapped with a RM400 fine.
He was also ordered to serve a week in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
The prosecution was led by PPKP Vivig Dinesh Vigane Swaran, while the accused was unrepresented.
Aside from citizens, even ministers have been caught smoking at public places:
Saw someone breaking the no-smoking rule? Here’s how to lodge a formal complaint: