Jakarta to conduct public smoking raids

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 11/12/2008 6:10 PM  |  Jakarta

Jakarta city administration plans to revive its long-abandoned restrictions on smoking in public places, with a series of raids from Nov. 17 to 27.

Members of civil society groups are expected to join in the raids.

The raids would be conducted in random areas, Women Against Tobacco Association head Nita Yudi told reporters on Wednesday.

"This exercise is being supported by Jakarta government and will target public places like mosques, malls and public transportation," Nita said.

The restrictions on smoking were first introduced in February 2006. Violators could face six months' imprisonment or pay up to Rp 50 million in fines.

While the regulation has seen poor implementation until now, it has been relatively successful in raising public awareness on the hazards of smoking.

The upcoming raids would serve as an adjustment phase since those caught would not be penalized directly, Nita said. Illegal smokers would be forced to sign declarations saying if they repeated their offense they would face penalties under the regulation. (anb)
 

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