THE National Environment Agency (NEA) thanks Mr Teo Kok Seah ("Stub out smoking near bus stops"; April 16) and Mr Goh Kim Seng ("Tighten rules on smoking near buildings"; Forum Online, April 16) for their feedback.
NEA will study the feasibility of the writers' suggestions.
To protect non-smokers from the harmful health effects of second-hand cigarette smoke, NEA has progressively expanded the list of prohibited areas under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act.
Smoking is now prohibited in an estimated 32,000 premises and locations, such as entertainment outlets, shopping malls, office premises, hospitals, schools, cinemas, bus stops, public corridors, covered walkways, lift lobbies, stairwells and entrances to buildings.
The Government's long-term goal is to eventually prohibit smoking in all public areas, except at designated smoking points.
We are working with community groups and stakeholders who are implementing designated smoking points in their neighbourhoods.
NEA has stepped up enforcement action against smokers who flout the law.
Last year, more than 17,000 tickets were issued for smoking in prohibited areas. This is a significant increase over 2013, when more than 9,400 tickets were issued.
Similarly, the National Parks Board has been taking enforcement action against those caught smoking at prohibited areas within its parks.
Last year, more than 950 Notices of Offence were issued, an increase over 2013, when more than 600 Notices of Offence were issued.
Members of the public should report violations to the management of the premises, whenever possible, for them to deal with the violators.
In public places where there is no specific managing agent to deal with violators, the public can contact the NEA on 1800-CALL-NEA (1800-2255-632) to file a report.
Tony Teo
Director
Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency
