PUTRAJAYA: A total of 5,549 compounds worth RM1.4mil have been issued by the Health Ministry (MOH) for smoking offences in March, says its director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.

       He said MOH conducted enforcement visits to 18,178 premises under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, resulting in a total of 8,926 notices issued.“

       Through the enforcement of the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 to prevent and control dengue, 3,816 compounds worth RM1.91 million were issued, averaging RM500 per compound,” he said in a statement on Saturday, Bernama reported.

       He said 642 cases were registered for court action, while 95 cases were convicted in court, with fines totalling RM180,600.Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Radzi said that through the enforcement of the Food Act 1983, a total of 33,473 food premises were inspected.

       “Some 124 premises, or 0.37% of the total premises inspected, were issued temporary closure notices,” he said.