Smoking will be banned on Batu Ferringhi beach, Penang soon!
Batu Ferringhi will be declared a smoke-free zone by next month.
The 7km long beach will be Penang’s first no-smoking tourism zone.
Just so smokers out there are clear: Smoking will not be allowed at “open spaces, beachfronts, eateries, beach clubs, food courts, resorts, bungalows and shopping complexesâ€.
Afif Bahardin, the state’s health committee chairman, said that the smoke-free zone will be from the Floating Mosque all the way to the Bayview Beach Resort along Jalan Batu Ferringhi.
Picture credit: Google Maps
Besides Batu Ferringhi, there will also be designated non-smoking areas in all the five districts in Penang.
“After Batu Ferringhi, next will be Bayan Baru and Balik Pulau. As for the mainland, Bandar Sunway in Seberang Jaya, Bertam and Nibong Tebal will also be gazetted as smoke-free zones soon”
Afif Bahardin via Straits Times
Instead, smokers will only be allowed to practice their dirty habit at designated smoking areas.
“There will be several designated areas for smokers to take a puff and most of the hotels do not allow smoking in the rooms too.
Afif Bahardin via Straits Times
Errant smokers caught smoking at non-smoking areas will be issued with a compound between RM250 and RM500.
“Those who fail to pay their compounds can be brought to court and fined a maximum of RM10,000, or face up to two years in prison if found guilty.”
Afif Bahardin via Straits Times
Afif Bahardin made the announcement after launching Batu Ferringhi as a smoke-free zone at SJK (C) Pai Chai in Jalan Batu Ferringhi last Saturday (Sept 28).
Meanwhile, Dr Asmayani Khalib, Penang Health Department director, said those exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke were at risk of asthma, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and cancer.
She also added that tobacco control was one of the cost-effective approaches in preventing smoking-related diseases.
“According to research, the treatment cost for illnesses due to smoking exceeds RM3 billion a year. The treatment cost is fully borne by the government.”
Asmayani Khalib via Straits Times
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