Deputy Minister of Health, Datuk Lukanisman, stated that although e-cigarettes appear attractive, are easily accessible, and can be used at any time, they actually have side effects. Once they cause e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI), the treatment fee in two weeks will exceed 100,000 ringgit, which will be a burden.
He mentioned that the government spends nearly 200 million ringgit on diseases caused by smoking and cancer screenings, which is a huge expenditure. If this money could be used elsewhere, it might be possible to build more Wellness Hubs or rebuild clinics.
Regarding the effectiveness of enforcing the smoking ban in public places, he said that currently, the enforcement process is through education and prevention methods. Although the authorities do not arbitrarily issue fines, according to records, nearly 14,493 violation notices and 14,337 no-smoking notices have been issued. In Kedah, 493 violation notices have been issued.
He made these remarks at a press conference on Sunday morning after the “Clean, Smoke-Free Place Inspection Activity” (BeBAS) at Kulim Bus Terminal.
Lukanisman also explained to hawkers that the authorities will not issue fines to them, generally issuing warnings and advice. However, hawkers have the responsibility to post no-smoking notices and should not provide ashtrays or places to dispose of cigarette butts.
He advised smokers not to adopt a violent attitude when they receive a violation notice from officials in public places, as officials are just performing their duties according to the law, which is also for the health of the smokers.
When asked whether there have been encounters with violent attitudes from smokers, he said that although there are no serious cases, anger can be observed on social media or in netizens’ comments.
“Almost 80% of Malaysians are non-smokers, so it is important to focus on the rights of the majority group, and smoking is not something that cannot be stopped.”
Kulim Bus Terminal is the 12th location since BeSS was implemented on February 17th last year. The authorities inspected 10 eateries in the bus station food court and surrounding areas, and all merchants were certified. These places also have no-smoking signs.
As of December 2024, a total of 13,307 eateries nationwide have received BeSS certification.