A total of 322 smokers were fined a total of RM80,500 for smoking in public places including inside public transport vehicles and terminals in the “Ops Tumpang” launched by the Health Ministry on March 28.
Also compounded during the operation were 35 public transport owners with fines amounting to RM8,750 for failing to exhibit the no-smoking signage or putting up signages which did not comply with the specifications.
In a statement, health director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said the operation was aimed at protecting the public from the harmful effects of cigarette smokes and creating awareness among smokers about the smoking prohibition in public places.
Meanwhile in Port Klang, the Marine Operations Force foiled an attempt to smuggle in 2,300 cartons of various brands of clove-spiked cigarettes worth RM1.4 million.
Commanding officer ASP Abd Lajis Tahir said a five-member team spotted a boat off the coast of Pulau Ketam with two men on board at 3am.
The boat sped off to the mangrove swamp area, with the patrol team in hot pursuit.
The suspects later jumped off their boat upon reaching the swamp area and fled, leaving the contraband behind, he said.
The team later seized the boat and two outboard engines worth RM60,000.
–BERNAMA