Penang assembly is smoke-free
Penang has declared the State Assembly building a smoke-free zone in a move to discourage the smoking habit among elected representatives and the public.
“Smoking is the first step toward drugs and glue-sniffing and with Penang recording 6,119 drug addicts last year, which is the highest in the country, we need to make a strong stand,” state Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said yesterday.
He said the people should respect the Federal Government’s decision to gazette all government offices, including hospitals, police stations and fire departments, as smoke-free zones.
“Smokers who need to light up can smoke outside the gate but those who discard cigarette butts on the pavement can be fined RM500 for littering,” he added.
Penang is believed to be the first to declare a State Assembly building a no-smoking zone without a designated smoking area.
Enforcement officers from the Penang Municipal Council and the state Health Department will conduct checks not only in the hall but the whole compound of the State Assembly building and those caught smoking will be given summonses of up to RM500.
Earlier this month, Phee announced more enforcement against smokers in public places, especially civil servants in government departments and agencies.
State Assembly Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain, who was also present at the press conference, announced that the next Penang state legislative assembly sitting has been scheduled from April 20 to April 28.
“On the agenda will be the debate on the state Public Accounts Committee findings on the cancellation of the Kings of Tennis event as well as the Penang Municipal Council’s financial statements,” Abdul Halim said.
He added that three administrative enactments would also be tabled along with two amendments - Agencies.
“Smoking is the first step toward drugs and glue-sniffing and with Penang recording 6,119 drug addicts last year, which is the highest in the country, we need to make a strong stand,” state Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said yesterday.
He said the people should respect the Federal Government’s decision to gazette all government offices, including hospitals, police stations and fire departments, as smoke-free zones.
“Smokers who need to light up can smoke outside the gate but those who discard cigarette butts on the pavement can be fined RM500 for littering,” he added.
Penang is believed to be the first to declare a State Assembly building a no-smoking zone without a designated smoking area.
Enforcement officers from the Penang Municipal Council and the state Health Department will conduct checks not only in the hall but the whole compound of the State Assembly building and those caught smoking will be given summonses of up to RM500.
Earlier this month, Phee announced more enforcement against smokers in public places, especially civil servants in government departments and agencies.
State Assembly Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain, who was also present at the press conference, announced that the next Penang state legislative assembly sitting has been scheduled from April 20 to April 28.
“On the agenda will be the debate on the state Public Accounts Committee findings on the cancellation of the Kings of Tennis event as well as the Penang Municipal Council’s financial statements,” Abdul Halim said.
He added that three administrative enactments would also be tabled along with two amendments - Agencies.
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