A nasi kandar restaurant worker in Shah Alam was slapped when he told a patron not to smoke in the premises, according to the police.

Shah Alam district police chief Baharudin Mat Taib said the incident happened around 12.30pm on Tuesday.

Based on the restaurant owner's police report, the worker, who is an Indian national, had told three men not to smoke in the restaurant.

“The worker told them in a polite manner but one of the customers slapped him. The three then left the restaurant after paying the bill.

“There were two workers and five customers at the time of the incident,” Baharudin was quoted as saying by Bernama.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for causing hurt. Baharudin also advised the suspect to voluntarily provide a statement at the nearest police station.

Last October, the Health Ministry announced that smoking would be prohibited at all eateries effective Jan 1, 2019.

Those who smoke in these places would be fined up to RM10,000 or be sentenced to two years jail whereas the owner of the premises would be slapped with a maximum fine of RM2,500.

The ministry has given a six-month grace period to focus on educating smokers on the new rule, rather than punish them.