THE RepotLah app, which was built to allow users to channel their complaints to the relevant authorities, will include a new feature to deter smokers from lighting up in eateries.

The app’s founder, Keasavan Hari Krishnan, said this was one of the many feedback the social enterprise received from the community after conducting pilot tests since January.

RepotLah, which was designed to give residents a platform to report non-emergency issues to their elected representatives, will be launched with a set of new updates mid-April.

The app will allow users to, among others, flag potholes or traffic light malfunctions and upload dashcam clips of unethical drivers in their area. These complaints will then be channelled to lawmakers for them to see to it that action is taken on the issues.

Keasavan said RepotLah will work closely with the authorities to curb the problem of smoking in eateries.

“The reason for this update to be included is because people generally don’t like others smoking in eateries,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

It was reported in February that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Health Ministry law enforcement officers visited 262 premises around Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor and Bangsar.

During the raid, more than 50 notices were issued with compounds amounting to more than RM10,000.

Under the Control of Tobacco Product (Amendment) Regulations 2018, anyone caught smoking in a no-smoking area could be fined up to RM10,000 and face up to two years in prison.

Business owners who fail to display a no-smoking sign may be fined up to RM3,000 or sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Keasavan said the reason for the smoking feature is not to penalise smokers but to educate them on smoking in designated areas.

“We are hoping that the app can help resolve some of these smoking issues. Despite no-smoking signs, some people still tend to light up,” he said.

“Most of the complaints we have been receiving are through word of mouth and general feedback.”

He said to make a report, all the user needs to do is take a photo, then the app will tag all report locations on Google Map and Waze, making it easier for authorities to identify the areas in question.

“We will then screen the complaints and send them to the relevant authorities.

“RepotLah also respects the privacy of its users. There is a feature for users to submit their grouses anonymously.”

Last month, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin warned smokers who still light up at eateries that local authorities have stepped up enforcement at public areas to ensure total compliance.

He said this had become necessary as smokers were still breaking the law although these establishments were strictly no-smoking zones.

Khairy also said that the government is looking to introduce a new law to ban smoking and possession of tobacco products, including vape, for people born after 2005, as a generational endgame for smoking in the country.  

App to launch soon

Keasavan said RepotLah’s pilot test ended on Friday.

It was tested in Kinrara and Subang, Selangor, and recently two new areas were added, Kuala Langat and Sepang, he said.

“During the pilot test, we registered more than 1,000 communities who became the app’s first users.

“We received more than 40 complaints on potholes, faulty traffic lights and reckless driving.

“All were channelled to the local authorities for action.”

He added that the low number of complaints is because his team was still receiving feedback on how to improve the app.

“The updated app, which will be launched next month, is the result of all the feedback given by the active communities.”

Users can upload their complaints via video, pictures and comments on the application, he added. – March 27, 2022.