Malaysian Foreign Minister apologises for smoking at eatery, assures payment of fine

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is set to receive a compound for smoking in a restaurant, following a viral photo of the incident in Pekan Rantau, Negeri Sembilan.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that an officer from the Seremban District Health Office would meet Mohamad to serve a violation notice under the Tobacco Control for Public Health Act 852.

Salam Madani Semua 🌹🇲🇾

Hari ini pegawai diberikuasa dari PKD Seremban akan berjumpa YBM Tok Mat untuk notis kesalahan dan diberikan kompaun.

Pejabat YBM telah pun maklum.

Jujurnya, YBM DS Muhammad Hassan sendiri minta KKM isukan kompaun ke atas kesalahan tersebut dan… https://t.co/Y4nMvFrULw

— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) December 18, 2024

As reported by Malaysian media, Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mat, has apologised for smoking in a prohibited area, offering a public apology through the media and confirming he had received a notice from the Seremban District Health Office.

“If this has become a concern and issue among the public, I sincerely apologise,” he said at a press conference at Wisma Putra.

“I will pay the fine, and I hope it won’t be too high,” Tok Mat added.

The controversy began when a social media user, @MsianInciter, tagged Dr Dzulkefly on X (formerly Twitter), sharing the image of the minister smoking in a restaurant.

The post highlighted that smoking in all restaurant areas, including outdoor sections, is prohibited under current regulations.

The photo showed Mohamad holding a cigarette while seated with others at the restaurant.

Ingatkan kedai makan adalah kawasan larangan merokok. Tapi Menteri Luar Negeri balik kawasan berasap di kedai makan rilek je @DrDzul @KKMPutrajaya.

Lokasi: Pekan Rantau pic.twitter.com/taVuJR5os5

— inciter (@MsianInciter) December 15, 2024

Dr Dzulkefly responded in a statement on X on 17 December, emphasising that “No one is above the law,” in reference to the stricter smoking ban which came into effect on 1 October 2024.

In a separate post, the Health Minister confirmed that Mohamad had personally requested the Health Ministry to issue the compound.

Dr Dzulkefly stated that the Foreign Minister assured he would pay the fine and confirmed that Mohamad’s office had been notified of the upcoming meeting regarding the violation notice.

The incident occurred during Mohamad’s visit to his constituency in Negeri Sembilan.

Before becoming the Member of Parliament for Rembau, he was the State Assemblyman for Rantau in the area.