Malaysia's foreign minister Mohamad Hasan will be issued a fine for puffing a cigarette in a non-smoking area, the country's health minister said Wednesday.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad earlier this week reposted a photo of foreign minister Mohamad Hasan smoking at a street-side eatery in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan, AFP reported.
Smoking in all eateries and restaurants was declared illegal in Malaysia in 2019 and further strict measures were introduced in October this year.
"The Foreign Minister's office has been informed of this matter," Dzulkefly said on social media platform X on Wednesday, adding that the foreign minister himself wanted to be issued a fine for the offence.
Under Malaysian law, people caught smoking in prohibited areas can face a fine of up to 5,000 ringgit ($1,120).
Mohamad Hasan apologised on Wednesday and said he had received a violation notice from health authorities but that the fine amount was not yet determined.
"If it has become a concern and an issue among the public, I would like to sincerely tender my apology."
"I will pay the fine, and I hope it will not be too high."
The photo of Mohamad Hasan smoking at the eatery had sparked outrage online this week.
bd-pratidin/GR
