HEALTH Ministry director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said 9,743 compounds were issued last month with 6,290 compounds worth RM1,457,300 for offences under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004.

“A total of 22,361 premises were inspected, with 10,051 notices issued,” he said today in a statement on the achievement of enforcement and legislation under the public health law for October 2023.

Regarding the enforcement of the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 for the prevention and control of dengue fever, he said 3,453 compounds worth RM1,726,500 were issued, with an average of RM500 per compound.

From that, 385 cases were registered for court action while 137 cases with fines totalling RM262,160 were settled in court, he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Radzi said 2.6% of 6,273 food premises inspected, through the Food Act 1983, were ordered to be temporarily closed under section 11.

“The temporary closure is one of the steps to ensure cleanliness of the premises as well as food served,” he said.

He said the ministry always strives to improve the quality of services, including taking action to enforce health laws in the interest of public health.

“Enforcement is the last resort taken by the ministry. All parties must carry out their respective duties and responsibilities so that the effectiveness of the implementation of health activities reaches an optimal level,” he added. – Bernama, November 17, 2023.