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In Jambi, people smoking in public places may face hefty fines
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A worker collects cigarettes at a factory in Surabaya, East Java, recently. . (thejakartapost.com/Wahyoe Boediwardhana)
The Jambi administration is working on programs to publicize a newly passed bylaw that prohibits smoking in public places.
Taking effect on Sept.1, the bylaw imposes a Rp 100,000 (US$7.50) fine on anyone found guilty of smoking in public places.
Jambi mayor SY Fasha said the bylaw did not prohibit the city’s residents from smoking but it regulated spaces where they were allowed to smoke with the aim of providing greater protection from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Among locations where smoking is strictly prohibited are hospitals, offices, schools, parks and shopping malls.
“We don’t prohibit people from smoking but there should be a special zone. It is only in a smoking room that people are allowed to smoke. Outside the designated area, it is prohibited for anyone to smoke,” said the mayor on Sunday.
Smoking zones are one of aspects, including cigarette advertisements that are regulated in the bylaw.
Fasha said the Jambi administration had continued to monitor locations cigarette where smoking and tobacco advertising was strictly prohibited.
“Cigarette ads are strictly banned from certain areas, such as main roads and near schools, are prohibited for the installing of billboards. Every place must provide special rooms for cigarette smoking,” he said.
Maria Magdalena, a lawmaker from the Jambi Legislative Council’s Commission IV, which oversees health affairs, said public spaces restricted from smoking, such as malls or offices, had to provide a special smoking zone.
“If the building management refuses to provide it, there will be sanctions,” Maria said. (foy/ebf)
