19,000 tickets issued last year for illegal smoking

We thank Mr Prem Singh for his feedback in “NEA’s enforcement of smoking laws leaves much to be desired” (July 10). We assure him that the National Environment Agency (NEA) takes a strict stance on smokers who flout the law.

Our officers actively check and patrol smoking hot spots and locations about which we receive feedback.

Enforcement is not limited to the daytime; our officers also carry out checks at night and in the early hours of the morning based on feedback and other information gathered on smokers’ habits in problem areas.

Last year, the NEA issued about 19,000 tickets for smoking in prohibited areas — an increase from 2015, when we issued about 17,000 tickets.

However, as smoking is now prohibited at more than 32,000 premises, including malls, hospitals, bus stops, covered walkways and common areas of residential buildings, it is not possible for the NEA to watch over every one of these locations.

Neither is it realistic to expect the NEA to be able to respond to a reported incident of smoking in a prohibited place before the smoker finishes his cigarette.

Nonetheless, the NEA welcomes such feedback; it enables us to better deploy our resources at recurrent problem areas.

Members of the public who observe smoking infringements may call 1800-225-5632.

The community can help by reminding smokers not to smoke in prohibited areas. Friendly and timely reminders from family, friends and other community members help to reinforce the right behaviour and norms.

Smokers are also reminded to be socially responsible and considerate, and to smoke only in permitted areas. Everyone can help to ensure the effective implementation of the smoking prohibition extension and the upcoming smoke-free zone at Orchard Road.