Malaysia to fine foreign minister for smoking at eatery

Malaysia’s Health Minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, has announced that the country’s Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, will face a fine for smoking in a non-smoking area.

The incident occurred at a street-side eatery in Negeri Sembilan, with a photograph of the minister in the act circulating widely online.

Smoking in eateries and restaurants was outlawed in Malaysia in 2019, and the government introduced stricter measures in October 2024 to enforce the law. 

On Wednesday, Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed via social media platform X that the foreign minister’s office had been informed of the violation. 

“The Foreign Minister’s office has been informed of this matter,” he said, adding that Mohamad Hasan had expressed his willingness to accept a fine for the offence.

ALSO READ: How I escaped two assassination attempts in Iraq — Pope Francis

Under Malaysian law, offenders caught smoking in restricted areas face fines of up to 5,000 ringgit ($1,120). Mohamad Hasan, acknowledging the public backlash, apologised for his actions and confirmed he had received a violation 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 said, as quoted by The Star newspaper.

He added, “I will pay the fine, and I hope it will not be too high.”

The photograph of the minister smoking has sparked significant outrage online. Social media users criticised the breach, with one commenter stating, “Whether you’re a minister… or a VVIP, wrong is still wrong. No one is above the law.” 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE