The Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken action against one of its own staff members after a clip of the individual smoking at an eatery in Rawang, Selangor, went viral online.
Taking to its Facebook page, the MOH clarified that civil servants are not exempt from the smoking ban.
The Ministry wrote:
“MOH has stressed that the smoking ban under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 [Act 852] is comprehensive and applies to all individuals without exception, including civil servants.
“Accordingly, the MOH has taken note of a viral post on social media claiming that an individual was smoking at food premises in Rawang on 23 March.”
“The results of the immediate investigation confirmed that the individual involved was a civil servant working at the Gombak District Health Office (PKD),” the statement added.
Disciplinary action and enforcement
The Ministry ultimately decided to issue a compound notice against the staff member and will enforce internal disciplinary action in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations.
“As the leading agency in public health, the MOH will not compromise with any employee who fails to comply with the law. The Ministry is committed to implementing enforcement activities firmly, fairly, and consistently to protect the public from exposure to cigarette smoke.”
The MOH staff member was caught red-handed in a viral post
The issue first gained traction when the MUSC Motorsports Facebook page shared images of an individual smoking at a restaurant in Rawang, seated directly beneath the eatery’s ‘No Smoking’ signage.
While the individual was dressed in government attire, a Gombak District Health Office vehicle was also spotted parked nearby.
You can check out their post here.
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