GEORGE TOWN: The familiar in-flight warning that drug offences carry serious consequences may soon be accompanied by another reminder – that smoking is prohibited within the George Town World Heritage Site. With Penang expecting an influx of visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), he said many tourists remain unaware that the smoking ban has been in force since 2016, with some locals continuing to flout the rule. “We hope everyone, including fellow Penangites, can adhere to the smoking ban,” he said. Gooi said continuous monitoring and enforcement by the state Health Department will be carried out to ensure the smoking ban is taken seriously. “We will also put up banners at strategic locations to remind the public about the smoking ban,” he said.

Source: The Star January 02, 2026 13:00 UTC