IN a country where enforcement of even the simplest rules—like seatbelts or parking fines—is inconsistent, the Johor government’s latest move to get the public to play “smoking police” feels like a lazy cop-out.
Instead of ramping up proper enforcement, authorities are now asking everyday Malaysians to whip out their smartphones and start snapping photos of smokers in banned areas.
At first glance, it sounds like an empowering policy—citizens taking an active role in upholding the law. But scratch the surface, and the problems become obvious. Are we really ready to turn Malaysia into a nation of digital informants?
Encouraging the public to record and report violators sets a dangerous precedent. Where does it stop? Today, it's smokers in restaurants; tomorrow, will we be asked to spy on jaywalkers, litterbugs, or even "suspicious" behaviour?
This isn’t just about upholding laws; it’s about creating a culture of surveillance, where anyone with a phone feels entitled to play judge, jury, and executioner.
And what about privacy? Will these photos and videos be kept confidential, or will they end up plastered all over social media, shaming individuals before any official action is taken? False accusations are inevitable, and without proper safeguards, this could easily turn into a tool for harassment.
Let’s be real: telling people to record smokers is a recipe for confrontation. Imagine an angry smoker caught on camera, demanding to know why they’re being filmed. Do we really want to risk everyday Malaysians getting into fights over cigarette smoke?
This policy also assumes that Malaysians are eager to tattle on each other. But in a country where many people avoid even making police reports over more serious crimes (out of fear of red tape or “no action taken” responses), how realistic is it to expect them to start reporting cigarette offenders?
Malaysians have seen this script play out before—rules that apply to regular folks but mysteriously bend for VIPs. What happens when a minister, a well-connected businessman, or even a police officer is caught smoking in a prohibited area? Will the same strict enforcement apply?
It’s telling that enforcement authorities are shifting the burden onto the rakyat instead of stepping up their own efforts. If they were serious, we’d see more officers making rounds, handing out fines, and actually enforcing the law.
Instead of turning citizens into amateur law enforcers, the government should focus on proper enforcement teams, clear penalties, and public education campaigns. Technology like CCTV monitoring in smoking hotspots could also be more effective without the risks of citizen-led surveillance.
Ultimately, laws are only as good as their enforcement. And if authorities can’t even manage that, why should ordinary Malaysians be expected to do their job for them?
Abdul Rahim Md Noor is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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