SEREMBAN: Health authorities here have issued 277 smoking violation compound notices totalling RM82,050 this year to offenders who flouted provisions in the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, says state Health Committee chairman S. Veerapan.

       He said 172 operations were conducted since the beginning of the year up to Wednesday (Oct 27).

       From these operations, 200 compound notices were issued to smokers for lighting up in prohibited areas, including 181 eateries.

       "Notices were also issued to owners of eateries for failing to put up no-smoking signs on their premises, for failing to ensure smokers did not light up, and other related offences," he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 29).

       Last year, 1,472 compound notices were issued worth a total of RM367,200.

       "The state Health Department will continue with (strict) measures to prevent smokers from lighting up in no-smoking zones.

       "In fact, the department has been carrying out operations on a daily basis especially in eateries and other prohibited areas," he said.

       Veerapan also urged members of the public, especially non-smokers, to be more proactive and to stop smokers from lighting up in prohibited areas.

       "That way, you will not only safeguard your rights but will not become a passive smoker," he added.