KUCHING: Kopitiam (coffee shop) operators must display ‘No Smoking’ signs at entrances and within three metres of dining areas or risk fines of up to RM3,000 for failing to do so. They also face fines of up to RM5,000 or a one-year jail term for not preventing smoking on their premises, said Padawan Municipal Councillor Gerald Goh.
In an interview with Utusan Sarawak today, Cr Goh said the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) can take action against operators for failing to display the required signage as well as against unlicensed stalls.
He stated that he has personally received numerous complaints regarding public smoking in kopitiams, with some netizens lodging reports through social media.
Explaining the division of responsibilities, Goh said the Ministry of Health (MOH) empowers officers to conduct spot inspections, issue fines, and lead public education campaigns, while local authorities enforce signage requirements and act against unlicensed operations.
“Business owners must not only display the required signs but also actively prevent smoking on their premises. The public can report violations via hotlines or WhatsApp/Telegram,” he said.
Goh added that complainants can call the Sarawak State Health Department or contact the Tobacco and Alcohol Enforcement Unit at 082-473200. He advised the public not to directly confront smokers, but instead to provide detailed information such as the location, time, and date when making a report.
In Kuching, enforcement officers from the Health Department are actively carrying out inspections and issuing fines to individuals who violate the smoking ban in public places, particularly at eateries.
Those caught smoking in prohibited areas, such as within or near food premises, face fines of up to RM10,000 or a two-year jail term. Food premise owners who fail to display “No Smoking” signs or provide designated smoking facilities may also be penalised.
A Kuching Divisional Health Office enforcement operation on August 6, 2025, saw 25 individuals issued notices for smoking in prohibited areas, including MJC Batu Kawa, Pine Square, and Emart Batu Kawa.
Goh stressed that it is important for the public to understand that MPP does not have the authority to compound smokers who light up in public places.
By Connie Chieng