Health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan said that during the same period, 4,264 cases were registered for court action, with 911 cases convicted, resulting in fines totalling RM2,349,950.

“For December alone, a total of 2,470 notices for compound fines amounting to RM1.2 million were issued, with an average fine of RM500 each.

“A total of 426 cases were also registered for court action, and 48 cases were convicted in court with fines totalling RM188,550,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a total of 112,455 summonses were issued last year through the enforcement of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, following checks on 246,982 premises.

A total of 63,039 compound notices were issued, with a value exceeding RM16 million, he said.

Radzi said that through enforcement action under the Food Act 1983, a total of 104,925 food premises were inspected, with 2,242 of them ordered to temporarily close.

“The temporary closure of food premises enforced by the health ministry under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 is a measure to ensure the cleanliness of premises and the food served,” he said.