Sabah Health and Wellbeing Minister Frankie Phoon said the state Cabinet had advised local government authorities to do so in the middle of the year.

He added that the Cabinet had decided to work with the state health department in its efforts to educate the public about the smoking ban.

“But this part is under the local government authorities. It is up to them to respond or take action on the matter,” he told reporters after a walkabout at Gaya Street here today.

Also present was Sabah health director Christina Rundi.

The ban was supposed to be enforced early this year but this was postponed by the state government.

Checks showed that a single smoking area had been set up in the Donggongon township in Penampang.

When asked how the smoking ban had been received so far, Phoon said the response had been good, including from foreigners and tourists.

Rundi meanwhile said tourists who break the law will have to settle their fines on the spot.