Health Ministry staff face fines and disciplinary action after a viral video shows them smoking at a Rawang restaurant, violating the new smoking control act

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health has confirmed that civil servants from the Gombak District Health Office were the individuals seen smoking at a Rawang eatery in a viral video.

The ministry has imposed compounds on the staff under Section 16(2) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.

Internal disciplinary action will also be taken under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations.

The MOH stated it takes a serious view of the incident as food premises are among 28 gazetted no-smoking areas.

As the leading public health agency, it said it will not compromise with any personnel who fail to comply with the law.

“The MOH emphasises that the smoking ban under Act 852 is comprehensive and applies to all individuals without exception, including civil servants,” it said in a statement.

The ministry is committed to firm, fair, and consistent enforcement to protect the public from cigarette smoke exposure.

It also expressed appreciation for public concerns and encouraged information to be channelled through official MOH channels.

This will help strengthen enforcement efforts to safeguard public health.

 The Sun Malaysia