PENANG will engage airlines flying into the state to share information that its Unesco World Heritage Site in George Town is now smoke-free.
The ban on lighting up is confined to the heritage zone, as part of the state's strict initiative to reduce smoking, said state executive councillor for public health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Gooi told a press conference that the state would seek the cooperation of airlines, including regional and global carriers, to inform tourists that the heritage site is smoke-free now.
The state would also work with Malaysian Airports Berhad (MAB) to relay similar information.
Penang's World Heritage Site has a core zone of 109.38 hectares and a surrounding buffer zone of 150.04 hectares, totalling about 260 hectares, protecting over 5,000 historic buildings like shophouses, temples, and colonial structures, known for its rich multicultural heritage.
Gooi also said that the state does not see any issue about enforcing a ban on vaping (e - cigarettes) and it is awaiting the directive from the Health Ministry to fully enforce the ban.
He said that the dialogue with vape industry players is ongoing and constructive.
Meanwhile, Penang's initiative has received support from the state consumer protection association.
Its president, Datuk K. Koris Atan said that it is about time the state is strict on smoking.
"It is a glaring sign of endangerment to the public through second-hand or even third-hand smoke."
Even for vaping, which does not generate much smoke, the consequence is similar to smoking a traditional cigarette, said Koris.
He urged the ban to be enforced soon nationwide. - January 9, 2026.
