Compounds worth over RM1 million for smoking offences issued in August

The health ministry issued a total of 4,884 compounds worth RM1.203 million last month for smoking offences, says health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.

In a statement on the achievements of enforcement and legislation under the public health law for August 2023, he said a total of 9,230 notices for various offences were also issued, involving 22,204 premises.

On the enforcement of the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insect Act 1975 for the prevention and control of dengue fever, Radzi said a total of 3,188 compound offers worth RM1.594 million were issued with an average of RM500 per compound.

A total of 536 cases were registered for court action, of which 93 cases were settled with fines totalling RM353,280 imposed on the offenders, he said.

Radzi said a total of 7,030 food premises were also inspected with 222 premises or 3.16% of premises ordered to close under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

"The temporary closure of food premises enforced by the health ministry is a measure to ensure the cleanliness of the premises as well as the food served," he said.