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 con...