Malaysia: Hotels Reminded to Enforce No-smoking Rules

Source from:  Sun Daily (my)  11/19/2012

Hoteliers have been reminded to enforce anti-smoking regulations as stipulated by the Health Ministry, and clearly indicate the areas on their primises where smoking is prohibited so that smokers will abide by the rules.
 
Health Ministry Disease Control Division director Dr Chong Chee Kheong said the list of areas where smoking is prohibited is spelt out under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations (COTP) 2004 (sub-regulation 11).
 
"Examples of designated prohibited places for smoking are any air-conditioned eating place or shop, any area used for assembly activity, or any air-conditioned place of work with a centralised air-conditioning system," he said in a statement recently.
 
According to the regulations, air-conditioned eating places include the ballroom of a hotel or any place air-conditioned for the purpose of serving food or refreshment, including on ships or trains.
 
Chong reminded proprietors of premises such as hotels that it is their duty under sub-regulation 12 of the regulations to enforce the non-smoking zones on their premises as stipulated.
 
"The 'No smoking' signage should always be put up at places where it is noticeable within the prohibited areas and the management must ensure that no person smokes there," he said.
 
Other measures suggested include issuing stern warnings to guests who are caught smoking at prohibited areas or a demerit system for staff doing the same thing, or installing cigarette smoke detectors.
 
"The occupier and proprietor of the premises can also lodge a complaint at the nearest district health office or state health department if there is a breach of regulation," Chong said.
 
Anyone caught smoking at prohibited areas faces a fine of up to RM3,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, while those who do not ensure the enforcement of the no-smoking policy will be fined up to RM5,000 or be imprisoned up to one year. Enditem