Smokers, vapers in Miri told to be mindful of others, steer clear of non-smoking areas

MIRI (Oct 21): The Miri Division Health Office has issued a reminder to smokers and vapers to respect non-smokers, pregnant women, and children by refraining from such activities in non-smoking areas.

The health office in a statement said it had commenced a 20-member educational enforcement operation on Oct 1, and as of Oct 19, the officers have visited a total of 1,341 business premises.

It added that the operation was following the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which was enforced at the beginning of this month.

“Under the new Act, several aspects will be implemented immediately and others in phases through educational enforcement methods by enforcement officers from the Inspectorate and Legal Sector of the Divisional Health office over a period of six months.

“The aspects that will be enforced include provisions regarding the prohibition of selling tobacco products that mimic games for children and appear appealing towards children and adolescents.

“This provision is aimed to curb children’s accessibility to such products. There are also provisions regarding the probation of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of all types of tobacco products that will be enforced immediately,” it said in the statement.

It added that the premises inspected included specialised vape and cigarette stores, bistros and restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, laundromats and others, with a total of 5,364 educational enforcement initiatives under Act 852 conducted against the owners of the premises.

Moreover, it said several engagement sessions to brief on Act 852 and its specific actions have been tended by the Inspectorate and Legal Sector of the health office, together with the British American Tobacco Miri branch, Miri City Council, and Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Among the actions are to replace previous versions of ‘No Smoking’ warning signage with newly designed signage that meet the specified standards and dimensions, which must include information regarding smoking and electronic cigarette cessation services via a QR code,” it added