National Environment Agency (NEA) officers conduct routine checks of places where smoking is prohibited by law to ensure compliance. During our checks, we also give priority to places where public feedback on violation is often received. NEA continues to take firm enforcement action against any smokers or food-shop operators who violate the law. Since the implementation of the smoking prohibition in coffee shops and hawker centres on July 1, 2006, we have taken enforcement action against more than 3,700 smokers and 400 food-shop operators for infringing the prohibition.

Following the feedback, our officers checked the food shops at Keong Saik Road referred to by Mr Kan. Although we did not find anyone violating the smoking prohibition, the management of the food shops in the vicinity were sternly reminded to exercise their responsibilities under the law and advise smoking patrons to do so only within the designated smoking areas. Our officers will continue with their enforcement action in the Keong Saik Road area.

S. Satish Appoo
Director, Enviromental
Health Department
National Environment Agency