Vapeboss – Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi stated that the Surabaya City Government (Pemkot) will further intensify the enforcement of smoke-free zones in the city. This is because the increasing use of vapes in various public places seems to disregard the Smoke-Free Zone (KTR) regulations in Surabaya, East Java.

"The Surabaya City Government continues to monitor vape or e-cigarette users, especially young people, so they do not use vapes in public places categorized as smoke-free zones," said Eri Cahyadi when met by BTV during a joint istighosah event with KH Said Aqil Siradj at the DPD PDIP East Java Office on Thursday (26/1/2023).

Eri said that the Surabaya City Government would impose strict sanctions on KTR violators. Not only conventional smokers, but e-cigarette users can also be sanctioned if caught violating KTR in public places.

"Sanctions will be in the form of verbal warnings, monetary fines, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense," he asserted.

In addition, Eri said that the implementation of KTR in Surabaya City is in accordance with Surabaya Mayor Regulation (Perwali) No. 110 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Surabaya City Regional Regulation No. 2 of 2019 concerning Smoke-Free Zones.

"The implementation of smoke-free zones in Surabaya City has been carried out. There are already a Perwali and Perda that regulate this. Monitoring the misuse of vapes or e-cigarettes is carried out with relevant stakeholders. Penalties for violators include warnings, monetary fines, and even imprisonment, depending on the level of violation," he emphasized.

In Surabaya City itself, some of the areas where KTR is enforced include health facilities, educational institutions, children's activity areas, places of worship, public transportation, workplaces, and public places.

According to Eri, this KTR Regional Regulation aims to protect the public, especially non-smokers. In addition, it serves to prevent an increase in the number of new smokers and reduce the death rate due to cigarette smoke.

"Furthermore, the Surabaya City Government urges vape users not to misuse them by mixing banned substances such as liquid crystal methamphetamine," he concluded.

Source: Beritasatu