About 72 people indulged in offence under Chapter 14, Tobacco Order 2005, as they were caught smoking in prohibited public areas, yesterday. The Enforcement Unit of Tobacco Control Section, Ministry of Health, conducted the operation at two shopping centers in Gadong.

62 people of the caught were compounded $150 per person and the other 10 will be enlisted into counseling programs with the help of their parents and guardians, as they were under aged.

A lot of people gave their views on the people who were caught smoking in public places.

A 23-year-old smoker, Henry, who hails from Kg Mata-mata, said, “Although I'm a smoker myself, I think what the authorities are doing is good as after hearing about these fines, I would think twice before lighting up a cigarette in a public place”.

This operation was good for the people who do not smoke as they got saved from second hand smoke. A female non-smoker shared that it should be prohibited to smoke in small public spaces, like restaurants.

A 39-year-old accountant from Kilanas, emphasized the role of parents and schools in educating the students on the harm of smoking. Though, he himself used to be a smoker, but he is astonished to see underage youths being caught smoking these days.