Minister to pay heavy fine for smoking inside restaurant
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, will be fined for smoking in a prohibited area, the country’s Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed on Wednesday.
The announcement followed a viral photo showing Mohamad smoking at a street-side eatery in Negeri Sembilan, an area where smoking is banned.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reposted the image earlier this week, stating that the Foreign Minister’s office had been informed of the violation.
“The Foreign Minister himself wanted to be issued a fine for the offence,” Dzulkefly wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Malaysia has enforced a strict smoking ban in all eateries and restaurants since 2019, with recent measures tightening regulations in October 2024. Offenders face fines of up to 5,000 ringgit ($1,120).
In response to the incident, Mohamad apologized publicly, acknowledging the violation and confirming he had received a notice from health authorities.
“If it has become a concern and an issue among the public, I would like to sincerely tender my apology,” he told The Star.
“I will pay the fine, and I hope it will not be too high.”
The photo sparked widespread criticism online. One user on X commented, “Whether you’re a minister or a VVIP, wrong is still wrong. No one is above the law.”
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Another added, “Lawmakers and law enforcement authorities who break laws should be punished more severely than the public.”
This incident emphasises Malaysia’s commitment to upholding its anti-smoking laws, regardless of status or position.
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