Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah launched a mobile application as part of the ministry’s anti-smoking drive.

The app is meant for reporting and monitoring violation of anti-smoking regulations.

Through the app anyone can inform the authorities about any violation of the regulations such as smoking in public places and selling tobacco to those under 18 years of age.

Fines amounting to SR5,000 will be imposed on commercial firms violating the regulations.

The app can also be used to inform about violations such as showing cigarette or shisha smoking on any local television channels.

There are 262 permanent clinics across the Kingdom that provide treatment and awareness services, create awareness about anti-smoking regulations and arrange counseling services.

The Ministry of Health launched the anti-smoking drive during the beginning of Ramadan last year.

Al-Rabiah, who is also chairman of the National Tobacco Control Committee, made the remarks while addressing the fifth national forum of the agencies working in the field of combating tobacco.

The remarkable achievements made by the agencies and the potential challenges faced by them in combating tobacco were unveiled at the forum.

The forum saw several sessions, the most important of which was the complementary role of the non-profit sector and the National Tobacco Control Committee, and the achievements of anti-smoking programs.