a day ago
RM10,000 fine, two years' jail for teachers caught smoking or vaping in school
KUALA LUMPUR: Teachers caught smoking or vaping in school areas can face up to RM10,000 in fines or two years in prison.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the Education Ministry will not compromise with teachers who smoke or vape, especially openly in schools, as it violates Malaysian Teacher Standards.
"This act not only tarnishes the image of the teaching profession but also sets a negative example of students. The MOE takes this issue seriously and will act firmly," Utusan Malaysia reported her as saying.
She was responding to a question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap) regarding the ministry's measures to curb cigarettes and vape use among students, following allegations that some teachers smoke or vape openly.
The smoking ban in schools is enforced under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2004.
It also prohibits sales to those under 18 and within 40m of school.
"The ministry has also taken proactive measures to curb cigarette and vape in schools, including enforcing Circular No.17 of 2015, which prohibits smoking in schools, as well as Circular Letter No.5 of 1997, which enforces schools as no-smoking areas," she said.
Parents, guardians, and local authorities are urged to educate children on the dangers of smoking and vaping to prevent addiction.
