Sarawak Health Dept conducts mega enforcement on Act 852

by · Borneo Post Online
Dr Veronica (left) leads a group of enforcement officers during one of the inspections.

KUCHING (Oct 31): The Sarawak Public Health Department on Wednesday launched the Mega Integrated Operation to enforce the legislation of Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) in the state.

Led by state health director Dr Veronica Lugah, the integrated operation involved a total of 420 state health enforcement officers, alongside personnel from the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry; Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry; Kuching North City Commission; Kuching South City Council; Padawan Municipal Council; and the Royal Malaysia Police.

The statewide inspection targets non-smoking areas and shops around the cities, where a total of 665 premises were inspected on Oct 30, said the state Health Department in a post on Facebook today.

“A total of 782 enforcements in the form of educational approach were conducted and premises owners or representatives were provided with infographic leaflets of Act 852 regulations, concerning the registration and display of smoking products.

According to the department, 37 ‘unauthorised cigarette products’ worth RM172 in total were seized from one of the inspected food premises.

“The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 is an act that replaces the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2004 and came into effect on Oct 1, 2024.

“It is hoped that through this Mega Integrated Operation, the public and business owners will comply with the enforcement of smoking ban at public food premises,” it added.

Also accompanying Dr Veronica during the inspection were her deputy Rohani Mat Bah and Kuching Divisional Health Officer deputy director Dr Johnny Pangkas.