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OVER 100,000 offence notices have been issued over the past 12 months to individuals caught flouting Malaysia’s smoking ban at eateries, amounting to RM11.45 million in compounds, the Health Ministry revealed.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a total of 101,521 notices were issued following 19,175 enforcement operations nationwide, averaging more than 50 inspections daily.
He made the statement in response to a recent viral video showing a man allegedly acting aggressively after being told not to smoke at a restaurant in Section 13, Shah Alam, last week.
Following the incident, Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed that the 49-year-old suspect was detained after returning from Thailand on a motorcycle.
Dr Dzulkefly described the Shah Alam incident as deeply concerning, stating, “It is a clear offence under Section 16(2) of Act 852, which supersedes the Tobacco Product Control Regulations under the Food Act (Act 281).”
He stressed the Health Ministry's commitment to enforcing the law to protect public health.
“Over the past year, we conducted 19,175 operations nationwide, averaging over 50 per day. These led to 101,521 offence notices being issued, with compounds totalling RM11.45 million,” he said in a post on social media today.
Despite ongoing enforcement, Dr Dzulkefly emphasised that public health cannot rely solely on legislation. He urged restaurant owners and staff to play their part in discouraging patrons from smoking in prohibited areas.
He also encouraged the public to report smoking violations via the #JomLapor campaign by sending a WhatsApp message to 010-8608949 or calling 03-8892 4530.
“Respect the rights of other diners, especially children, pregnant women and the elderly, to enjoy their meals in a smoke-free environment,” he said.
He reminded the public that the three-metre distance rule from the last table of an eatery is still in effect.
“Smoking is an addiction, but the rights of smokers are not denied as long as they refrain from smoking in restricted areas, especially public dining establishments,” he added.
The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (PRESMA) also issued a statement condemning the incident in Shah Alam, where a couple was allegedly assaulted after requesting a man not to smoke.
“Such incidents not only disturb the peaceful atmosphere of food premises but also disrupt the comfort of other patrons, particularly families with children,” it said.
Representing over 3,500 Muslim restaurant operators nationwide, PRESMA expressed full support for the Health Ministry’s enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), especially the smoking ban in all food premises.
“This law aims to safeguard public health and ensure that every customer can enjoy their meals in a safe and healthy environment, free from the dangers of cigarette smoke,” the association said.
It added that the law is not merely a legal requirement but a responsibility to protect oneself, one’s family, and the broader community from smoke-related diseases.
“The culture of mutual respect between customers and restaurant operators is key to creating a harmonious dining environment,” the statement read.
PRESMA pledged to continue working closely with the Health Ministry, local authorities and other agencies to support enforcement of the law. It also committed to educating its members to speak up tactfully when customers breach the rules.
“All parties must play their part in making Malaysian restaurants family-friendly spaces, free from cigarette smoke and safe for all members of society,” the statement concluded.
As of 1 January this year, 28 categories of premises — including restaurants and laundromats — have been gazetted as no-smoking zones under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. - September 19, 2025
