REWARDING isn’t just about giving money.
It could be something that portrays appreciation to good deeds done by responsible and caring people.
The newly-announced RM10,000 penalty to those who smoke in restaurants is, to me, an applaudable action by the government as signages of “No Smoking” seem invisible to some uncivilised smokers.
On top of that, I would like to recommend to the government that those who tube complaints about smokers who smoke in restaurants should be rewarded.
Some of us don’t really care about disallowing smokers from lighting up their ciggies in food premises, especially coffee shops, even smokes dispensed by their cigarettes irritate our noses.
Doing nothing in stopping people from smoking within non-smoking areas must not be made a choice of acting.
But before getting the “crueller penalty” enforced, the government has to notify every restaurant or cafe operator to either provide a dedicated smoking zone within its premise compound or wholly prohibit smokers from smoking.
The enforcement would remain stagnantly meaningless if restaurant operators are being unconcerned about warning ignorant smokers and raising complaints to authorities.
Instead of just photographing thieves or wild criminals for a viral, CCTVs placed at restaurants or cafes must also be benefited to evidence smokers who smoke within prohibited smoking zones that are set by the premises.
Even though it will be enforced on January next year, food premises, be they restaurant or hipster cafe or high-class hotel lounge, must now decide on whether to let their customers smoke within their gazetted smoking area or instantly channel complaints to entrusted authorities who are responsible of receiving related complaints.
To make it fair to both stubborn smokers and cafe operators, channeled complaints must be in photographed images or recorded videos.
CCTVs could only be used to concretely convince responsible authorities of the presence of busted smokers.
As a suggestion to the idea of rewarding complainants, cooperative restaurant operators could be offered by the government with reduction in their business tax.
For individual complainants whose income is taxable, rewarding them with a tax relief sounds pleasant.
And those who don’t, they could be offered with exemption of road summons linked to government-related agencies like PDRM, DBKL and state or city councils.
Discounted road tax could also be considered of being made a reward to “concerned citizens” who detest smoking in public places.
The government, especially the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, should consider this idea of rewarding complainants as it will surely pull more people to be really serious about standing against smokers who would still not comply the enforcement.
To complement the RM10,000 penalty, the government must also inflate the price of cigarettes of all brands as an effort to cripple smokers’ buying power as well as increase the minimum fine up to RM1,000,000 to those who buy smuggled cigarettes.
* Amerul Azry Abdul Aziz is an independent writer who now views politics as something that can be researched.
**The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
Amerul Azry Abdul Aziz
Thu Nov 21 2019
The newly-announced RM10,000 penalty to those who smoke in restaurants is, to me, an applaudable action by the government as signages of -No Smoking- seem invisible to some uncivilised smokers.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.