Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Regent of Kotabaru H Muhammad Rusli had issued a circular (SE) on Smoke-Free Areas (KTR) and forming a guidance and supervisory team.
The Regent instructed all government working units (SKPDs) and vertical agencies to implement the regulation, as well as providing special areas for smokers outside the office, workplace, and public places.
Head of Kotabaru Health Office Erwin Simanjuntak here on Wednesday said the Regent' circular is a regulation and part of shared responsibility to create a healthy environment free from exposure to cigarette smoke.
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"The implementation of smoke-free area in government offices is a real action by the Kotabaru Regent to protect public and employees' health from the negative impact of cigarette smoke," he said.
Erwin pointed out that the local government does not prohibit people from smoking, but the public must understand that it must be at appropriate places as it is explained in Article 10 paragraph (1) in the circular.
Based on Circular Letter No 100.3.4.2/503/P2P.DINKES, there are seven zones designated as smoke-free areas, namely health facilities, teaching and learning places, children play grounds, worship places, public transportation, workplaces and other public places.
Erwin explained that this regulation is a follow up to the provision in Article 8 paragraph (2) of the Kotabaru Regional Regulation No. 19 of 2015 concerning Smoke-Free Areas.
Anyone violates this, Erwin said, he will be fined Rp200,000 on the spot or a maximum of Rp500,000 and or a maximum imprisonment for six months.
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